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HISTORY 



OF Tlih. 



TOWN OF ABINGTON, 



PLYMOUTH COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS, 



FROM ITS FIRST SETTLEMENT. 



BENJAMIl^HPAET, A.M. 




,/ ''-•'- ^- ^ -^^^ 



T . H . CAP TSE R AND SON 

1^6 6. 



PREFACE. 



It is stated iu the Introduction to the following History, 
what the circumstances were which led to its being written. 
At the solicitation of the Editor of the Ahington Standard, 
a few articles relating to the history of the town were 
furnished by me for insertion in that paper, without any 
view to their publication in a book. After about twenty-five 
numbers had been furnished and printed, I was solicited by 
many of my fellow-citizens to bring together the articles 
which had been printed, and publish them in a more per- 
manent form. I issued proposals to see if there would be 
sufficient encouragement for such an undertaking, and several 
himdred copies were subscribed for. This seemed to be an 
approval of what I had written. The idea was to revise 
and print only what I had furnished for the Standard. But, 
in preparing to do this, many other subjects presented them- 
selves, and a Avide field opened before me. I proceeded to 
add chapter after chapter, until I had more than doubled 
the size of the book which I had at first proposed. At 
this time, also, the price of paper and printing had nearly 
trebled (owing to the war of the Rebellion, then going on). 
Under these circumstances I published a card in the Ahington 
Standard, saying I could not issue the book with the additions 
and extra cost of printing on the terms proposed, without a 
great sacrifice. The answer was, so far as I could learn, 
" Go on ; we want the book complete." I have acted iu 

(5) 



VI PREFACE. 

accordance with this desire of the subscribers, and have 
fixed the price with a view only to cover the cost. This 
will depend on the amount of sales, which I must risk. 

At the commencement of the work, I had no idea of the 
labor and time which it would require to finish it. 

It may interest the friends of the undertaking, and citizens 
generally of the town, to know that I have had the whole 
book stereotyped, and all the engravings electrotyped ; so 
that hereafter new editions can be issued, errors can be 
corrected, new pages Substituted, and, if need be, revised 
and enlarged ; chapters that may have become obsolete, 
may be excluded, and new ones introduced in their place. 
Also, new memorials of families, new items of historical 
facts, and new engravings of family residences and public 
buildings can be added. 

There is a large proportion of the contents of the book 
which it would not have been possible to get at a much 
later period. I refer to the information obtained from 
aged persons, in respect to the first settlement of the town, 
means of support, customs and manners of the inhabitants, 
and modes of living, progress of improvement, &c. I should 
have lost much that is valuable in the book if a few very 
aged persons had been taken away before I commenced it. 
The Memorials were aided much in their composition in 
this way. 

In Avriting the History, I have availed myself of all the 
sources of information which I could well command, without 
deeper researches than I had time and means to make. I 
leave these to future antiquarians. What I have done Avill, 
I think, aid them in what remains to be done. I have 
made much use of " An Historical Sketch of Abington," 



PREFACE. VU 

written by my nephew, the Hon. Aaron Hobart, of East 
Bridgewater, nearly thirty years ago. I have taken much 
from the records of the town since I commenced tlie History ; 
from the different Boards of Selectmen, Town Clerks, School 
Committees, and other toAvn officers. I am much indebted 
to the present Pastors of the Churches in town, and to 
Church Committees, for valuable statistics of their Churches 
and Societies ; to the owners of manufacturing establishments 
for descriptions of their factories and business ; to spirited 
individuals for engravings of their family residences and 
public buildings ; to the officers of Ladies' Societies, estab- 
lished for benevolent purposes ; to many of the inhabitants 
of the town, for furnishing memorials of their families and 
ancestors ; and to many aged persons, as referred to above, 
for much interesting matter of past times. Among them I 
would name Nathan Beal, of East Abington ; Bela Dyer, 
of South Abington, and Isaiah Noyes, of Centre Abington, — 
gentlemen worthy of respect, not only for their age and fimily 
connections, but also for their personal qualities. I miirht 
here add that I have drawn much information from my own 
experience and obseiwation, and from my ancestors. 

In writing the following History, I have endeavored to 
be correct. I have impeached no one's motives, and have 
indulged no prejudice against any sect, society, or order 
of men. There may be errors and mistakes ; it could 
hardly be otherwise in a record of so many events, ages, 
dates of births, of deaths, and names of persons — there are 
over five thousand of the last. But all such errors and 
mistakes can be corrected, as stated above, by amending 
the stereotype plates in succeeding editions. 

In compiling this History, and looking up documents, I 



Viii PREFACE. 

have been often surprised at the want of information in 
respect to the same, by most of the present inhabitants of 
the town, especially of the rising generation, and of thousands 
of those who have emigrated here, and taken up their resi- 
dence among us. To generations yet unborn, who may come 
after us, what I have done, with such improvements and 
additions as may be required, will be invaluable. 

The record of the names and ages of over two thousand 
(2,200) of the children in town, now attending school, will, it 
seems to me, be hereafter of very great interest, not only to 
them, but also to their parents and friends. It will, as they 
advance in life, call up in their minds the forms of each 
other as they stood side by side at recitation, or sat in their 
seats ; their teachers and the school committees will also 
rise up in form before them. And Avhen they become active 
in the busy scenes of life, and scattered over our extensive 
country, each one, referring to his book, may call up the 
scenes and companions of his childhood. In the margin, 
also, he can mark the changes which have taken place in 
the earthly condition of his early friends, and an asterisk 
can be attached to the names of those who have been removed 
to another world. Several of their names, already, require 
an asterisk to be so placed. 

This History may not only be interesting to the inhabitants 
of this town, but also to many in other towns, as there is 
a great similarity in the incidents connected with the first 
settlement of towns in this vicinity, and generally in all New 
England. All had their deprivations, trials and difficulties 
in commencing anew — made similar exertions in providing 
habitations and sustenance for their families ; their customs, 
manners and modes of living also were much the same. 



PREFACE. IX 

I intend to leave the inheritance of the copyright of this 
book, and the stereotype and electrotype plates, in the hands 
of my eldest son, Benjamin Hobart, jr., so that hereafter, 
if occasion should require it, he or his assigns may make 
corrections, improvements, or may issue new editions, as 
the inhabitants of the town may require, or be willing to 
patronize. 

Abington, August 27, 1866. 



INTEODUCTION. 



The following letter which I addressed to the Editor of the 
Ahington Standard, was printed in that paper, together with 
most of the "Historical Reminiscences" at the time they 
were written. This letter will show the reasons of my 
undertaking to write them. 

Sooth Abington, March 10, 1859. 
C. G. Easterbrook, Esq., Editor of the Ahington Standard: 

I have yours of the 7th inst., inquiring of me " if I might 
be induced to prepare a series of articles concerning past 
events and past generations in the Town of Abington ; " 
Stating that this has been suggested by mutual friends, as I 
am one of the oldest inhabitants in town. You also add, 
"' that you are about furnishing new type and materials for 
your paper, and should be pleased to commence the publica- 
tion of such a series from my pen, the first week in April ; " 
and for this purpose, you say, " you have presumed to address 
mc on the subject, and express a strong hope that I shall look 
favorably on the request." 

I am not now prepared to enter into any particular engage- 
ments on the subject of your request. The thing has been 
proposed to me before by a number of my friends ; arRi I 
confess that I have had thoughts, at times, of attempting 
something of the kind, but I have never written a word with 
such an intent. If I should conclude to write a few articles 
on past events and generations gone by, I could not be bound 
to do so at stated times, as weekly or monthly, but occasion- 
ally, as I might find it convenient, without any implied obliga- 
tion to continue it for any definite period. 

(11) 



Xii , INTRODUCTION. 

• I am aware, Mr. Editor, when any one undertakes to Avrite 
for the public eye, he becomes an object of remark and criti- 
cism, if not of reproach. In speaking of customs, parties 
and individuals, it is very likely some might be offended ; to 
avoid this, if I should furnish some articles as proposed, I 
intend to be scrupulously just and accurate. I would not, 
however, be bound to give precise dates of events, or ages 
of persons, or their given names or titles ; I should have to 
draw my remai'ks principally from memory. I might omit 
the names of some individuals, and only notice the result of 
their doings ; of public events and measures there will be no 
need of disguise. 

Another thing is generally desired by the public when any 
one undertakes to write for them ; that is, some knowledge 
of the writer. I had thought at first to write anonymously, 
but this could not be done. I am too much identified with 
past events in this town to be hid in noticing them. I have 
been a voter over fifty years, and have taken quite an active 
part in public transactions, — have been in active business over 
fifty years, and have paid away for labor over (as I estimate) 
one million of dollars ; so I need no introduction to the inhabi- 
tants of this town. I have had a good deal to say in town- 
meetings, and I have always intended to be found on the side 
of law and order ; but my more particular connection with 
the transactions of the town may be further noticed when I 
come to state some of their municipal doings. 

Within my remembrance, which embraces a period of more 
than sixty years, things have very much changed in this town. 
The population then was about 1,400, voters 300, polls 450, — 
there was but one religious society, and only one chaise. — no 
light wagons or covered carriages ; even since I became a 
voter, two generations have passed away ; those then who 
became voters at twenty-one years of age would now be over 
seventy. How few remain of that generation, and how great 
is the number who have come and gone within that period ; 
they number thousands ; and how few of the present popula- 
tion of the town (about 8,000) will ever attain to such an age ? 



INTRODUCTION. XIU 

But few of the present generation have any adequate ideas 
of the state of society, the customs and manners, the style, 
modes and means of living, at the period referred to, or even 
forty years past. That generation had their trials and diffi- 
culties, their sorrows and joys, and were not without their 
contentious, but were, on the whole, perhaps, as comfortable 
and happy as the present inhabitants. Society is not always 
improved according to its advantages ; favors and blessings 
are often abused ; past generations labored under many disad- 
vantages from which we are relieved, and we have entered 
into many of their labors. Their morals, to say the least, 
were as good as ours, and, certainly, heinous crimes, and the 
breaking down of order in society, did not prevail then as at 
the present time. 

In reviewing past times we are apt to think meanly of the 
then inhabitants, because they did not come up to the standard 
of our own times ; but the reproach is, perhaps, more appli- 
cable to us than to them. Have we improved the greatly 
superior advantages which we have over them ? A great 
many new inventions within a few years have changed the 
whole face of society, and added greatly to the facility of doing 
business in all the departments of industry ; but the contrast 
will appear more striking when we come to describe more 
particularly the state of society at the time referred to. 

In connection with these views of a want of respect for 
those who have preceded us, we may even notice that, at the 
present time, terms of reproach and spite are bandied about, 
without any definite meaning, against many great and good 
men who have but just passed away from us, and even against 
many worthy men and patriots now living, especially if they 
are aged. They are nick-named " Old Fogies," and indivi- 
dually an "Old Fogy," and this by "Young America." Now 
there is no definite meaning to these terms. " Old Fogy " is 
used as a term of reproach generally against a person who 
does not join our party, or dissents from our views. It is often 
used to reproach the infii-mities of age, however worthy the 
person may be. 



XIV INTKODUCTION. 

The other term, " Young America," is equally indefinite, 
and is used as the counterpart of " Old Fogy ism." It does 
not mean, and it is not used, to designate America as a young 
nation in comparison to the old nations of Europe, but as 
a cant word, to denote the doings of yoiing bloods, spirited 
youths, projectors of great and daring operations, whether 
right or wrong, leaders of parties, and the Administration 
when tliey want to acquire or add foreign territory to our now 
vast domains, whether by the sword or purse. It may some- 
times be used to denote worthy objects, as the progi'ess of the 
mechanic arts, manufactures, agriculture and commerce. 

To the younger portion of the inhabitants of the present 
day, who are just commencing active life, sketches of former 
times, if properly made and contrasted with present times, 
might be quite interesting ; for it is surprising how little is 
known and realized by them of events even of only twenty 
or thirty years past. It would show them the superior advan- 
tages which they now possess for improvement in education, 
social and domestic comforts and enjoyments, and add new 
obligations to rightly use and improve such advantages. 

I will only add, in conclusion of this introductory article, 
(if it should prove to be so,) that I do not intend to enter into 
any controversy on any of the subjects or statements Avhicli I 
may make, and assume no responsibility, except as to their 
truth. My present idea is to state some reminiscences of past 
times — of men and things, — of the state of society, — of domes- 
tic economy, — of rural scenes, — of public and private acts, 
with such anecdotes as may come to mind ; and I may add 
such remarks as may occur from such a review. 

Benjamik Hobart. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

PAGE 

Location. — Elvers. — Saw-Mills. — Timber and Soil ..'... 1 

CHAPTER II. 

Roads.— Their former Location. — The Past and Present Mode 

of Repau'ing tliem, and Making of New Roads 7 

CHAPTER III. 
Beech Hill. — Location of Roads over it 15 

CHAPTER IV. 
Population, Valuation and Polls. — Their Increase and Amount . 10 

CHAPTER V. 

School Disti-icts. — Changes in them. — Money raised for School- 
ing. — School Committees. — System of Schooling in Past 
Times and at the Present Time 25 

CHAPTER VI. 
Schools — Continited 37 

CHAPTER YII. 

Agriculture and Horticulture. — Their State and Condition in 

Past Times and at the Present Time 71 

CHAPTER VIII. 
Agriculture and Horticulture — Coiiiinuccl 83 

CHAPTER IX. 

Statistics of the First Religious Society. — Two First Ministers, 

IJev. Samuel Brown and Rev. Ezckiel Dodge 88 

(15) 



XVI CONTENTS. 



CHAPTEE X. 

PAGE 

Eev. Samuel Niles, the Third Minister of the First Keligious 

Society 98 

CHAPTER -XI. 

Rev. Samuel Niles, Third Minister of the First Religious Society. 

—Concluded 106 

CHAPTER XII. 
Rev. Holland "Weeks, Fourth Minister of the First Religious 

Society 115 

CHAPTER Xni. 
Eev. .Holland Weeks, Fourth Minister of tlio First Religious 

^oci^ty.— Concluded 123 

CHAPTER XIV. 
#irst Society of the New Jerusalem in Abington liJO 

CHAPTER XV. 
Physicians Practising in Abington in Past Times, and at the 

Present Time " . . 134 

CHAPTER XVI. 

^lanufiicturcs. — Tlieir Rise and Progress in Early Times ; tlieir 

State and Condition at tlie Present Time 140 

CHAPTER XVII.. 
Manufacture of Boots and Shoes. — Tlie Amount severally made 
and sold by Firms and Individuals ; The Rise, Progress and 
Extent of this Manufacture. — Concluded 146 

CHAPTER XVIII. 
Incorporation of the Second Religious Society. — Obstacles at- 
tending it. — Constitution and Laws respecting the Support 
of Public Worship. — Modification of them in 1811. — Total 
Repeal of them in 1833. — Result, entire Religious Freedom. 
— Statistics of the Second Religious Society, in South Abing- 
ton, by the Pastor lo(> 



CONTENTS. Xvii 



CHAPTER XIX. 

PAGE 

East Ahington Religious Society (Congregational) 164 



CHAPTER XX. 

Politics. — Political Parties. — Popular Elections 16i 

CHAPTER XXI. 

Politics. — Political Parties. — Popular Elections. — Concluded . . 174 

CHAPTER XXII. 
Oration, July 4, 1805 181 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

Organization of the "First Baptist Church" in Ahington, and its 

Present State .".... 199 

CHAPTER XXIV. 
A Statement of the Rise, Progress, and Present State of the 
"Baptist Church of Christ in East Ahington," including a 
Declaration of their Belief and Covenant. By their Pastor, 
Rev. Jeremiah Chaplin 205 

CHAPTER XXV. 
Congregational Society and Church in North Ahington . . . 212 

CHAPTER XXVI. 
Historical Sketch of the First UniversaHst Society, Ahington . 221 

CHAPTER XXVII. 
The Catholic Church 225 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

Proceedings at the Semi-Centennial Celebration, June 10, 1862 . 227 

CHAPTER XXIX. 
Municipal Affairs of the Town 239 



XVnl CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XXX. 

PAGE 

The First Settlements in Different Parts of the Town. — Some 

Account of the Pirst Settlers 246 

CHAPTER XXXI. 
Miscellaneous Items. — Some Accoimt of Slaves and their Owners. 
— Longevity of the African Race. — The Mulatto or Mixed Race. 
— Evil Consequences arising from the Union of White and 
Colored Persons. — Fires. — Tornadoes. — Native Lawyers . . 251 

CHAPTER XXXII. 
Miscellaneous Items of Events and Persons. — Epidemics. — 
Longevity. — Old French War. — Revolutionary War. — Gradu- 
ates of Colleges. — Banks. — Insurance Office 263 

CHAPTER XXXIII. 
Distinguished Characters, and their Doings, viz. : — Isaac Hohart, 
AarDU Hohart, Dr. David Jones, Dr. David Jones, jr.. Wood- 
bridge Brown, Joseph Grccnleaf, Jacob Smith, Daniel Lane, 
Josiali Torrey, Nathan Gurney, Samuel Norton, James Bates 
and Micah Pool. — In the Military line : — Col. Luke Bicknell, 
Major Luke Nash, Col. Brackley Gushing, Capt. Noah Ford 
and Major-General Benjamin liing. — Some Remarks respect- 
ing the Author of this Book 275 

CHAPTER XXXIV. 

The First Tack Factory built in Town. — Three Others built more 

recently. — Boot and Shoe Establishments 286 

CHAPTER XXXV. 

The Southern Rebellion. — Men, and other Aids for Suppressing 

the Rebellion. — Commissioned Officers. — Mortality, &c. . . 296 

CHAPTER XXXVI. 

Southern Rebellion, Continued. — Co-operation of the Ladies . 317 

CHAPTER XXXVII. 
Reception of the Returned Soldiers 332 



CONTENTS. 



APPENDIX. 



[The following memorials embrace many, but not all, of the family 
names in Abington] : — 

PAGE 

Beal . . . • 343 

Blake 351 

Blanchard 353 

Brown 357 

Cobb 360 

Cook . . . ; 363 

corthell 365 

Dunbar 366 

Dunham 367 

Dyer 372 

Ford 378 

Gurnet 383 

HOBART 386 

Howe 402 

HOWLAND 403 

Hunt 404 

Jacobs 405 

Jenkins 406 

King 410 

Lane 411 

Nash 414 

NoYES 423 

Payn 426 

Pool 427 

Pratt 430 

Reed 431 

Stetson 439 

Studlet 441 

Thaxter 444 

TORREY 446 

Walker 448 

Wheeler 449 

Whitman 451 



LIST OF ENGRAVINGS. 



CHURCHES. 

PAGE 

First Congregational, Centre Abington 88 

Hatherly Hall (former church), Centre Abington 91 

New Jerusalem, Centre Abington 130 

Second Congregational, South Abington 156 

Third Congregational, East Abington 164 

First Baptist, South Abington 199 

TACK FACTORIES 

Of B. Hobart (old), South Abington 286 

Of Dunbar, Hobart & Whidden, South Abington 287 

Of Henry H. Brigham, South Abington 288 

SHOE FACTORIES 

Of J. Lane & Sons, East Abington 290 

Of Leonard Blanchard, East Abington 291 

Of William L. Eeed, South Abington 292 

Of Joshua L. Nash, Centre Abington 294 

RESIDENCES 

Of Eev. S. Niles, Centre Abington 98 

Of Joseph Vaughn, Centre Abington 150 

Of J. F. Bigelow, East Abington 166 

Of Benjamin Beal, East Abington 344 

Of Samuel Blake, South Abington 350 

Of Leonard Blanchard, East Abington 354 

Of Baxter Cobb, Centre Abington 360 

Of Samuel B. Dyer. Centre Abington 372 

Of J. H. Giles, Centre Abington 378 

Of B. Hobart, South Abington 386 

Of Joshua L. Nash, Centre Abington 414 

Of Washington Reed, East Abington 432 

Of Martin S. Stetson, South Abington 440 

Of B. Thaxter, Centre Abington 444 

(20) 



CHAPTER I. 

Location. — Rivers. — Saw-lMills. — Timber and Soil. 

In respect to the situation of Abington, I quote from Hay- 
ward's Gazetteer of Massachusetts, part of an article wliich I 
furnished for it in 1846. 

Abington is very pleasantly situated on the highest lands 
between Narragansett Bay and Boston Harbor. The centre 
of the town is about equi-distant from Boston, Plymouth, and 
Taunton, a little over eighteen miles from each ; ten miles 
from Weymouth Landing, twelve from Hiugham Harbor, and 
seven from the North River in Hanover. Surrounded by 
high lands, are two large intervales of about five hundred 
acres each, mostly covered with water in the winter, and 
beautifully green in the summer ; around these, and overlook- 
ing them, are many of the principal settlements. At the east- 
erly part there is a range of elevated lands, comprising over 
two thousand acres, called "Beech Hill;" a beautiful tract of 
land, susceptible of great improvement. In other parts of the 
town the lands are elevated, distinguished into hills and vales, 
with valuable meadow lands. Building lots are numerous and 
inviting. 

The boundary of the town is very in-egular ; it has a great 
many corners and angles ; it seems to have been made up like 
patch-work, as its history shows. A part was taken from 
Bridgewater ; there were old men's and young men's shares, 
Ford's farms, on which were the first settlements, about 1668. 
Among a great many other grants of land in the town, one 
was made to Nathaniel Souther, who was the first Secretary 
of the Colony ; one to Peregrine White, the first person bora 
in the Colony, and one to Governor Belcher. Grants were 
made to other sections around us, with a view to their becom- 
ing towns, long before Abington was thought of. No large 
1 



2 LOCATION. 

rivers pass through the town. Hersey's River, a branch of 
Tauntou River, passes through the south part, with the upper 
part at North Abington ; there it was called Stream's River 
(as I suppose). It passes through Centre Abington, and is 
the largest and most useful river in town. Beavef- Brook, in 
the westerly part of the town, is quite a valuable run of water. 
French's Stream, in East Abington (if that is the name), the 
head of the North River, is a very useful river ; there are 
several small runs of water which fall into these main rivers. 
There is a stream on which Beal's corn-mill stands, and a 
small brook falls into Accord Pond, which lies partly in this 
town, the remainder in Hiugham and Scituate. These waters 
fall into the ocean very widely apart: on the south part by 
the Taunton River into Narragansett Bay, ou the north, by 
the North River at Marslifield. The quantity of water flow- 
ing in these rivers formerly Avas much larger than at present, 
probably one-third more, especially in summer. The clearing 
off of the forests, particularly on low lands, where our fresh 
meadows now abound, let in the sun, and much of the water 
was evaporated by this means ; thousands of little rills in dry 
seasons ceased to flow, I heard such remarks made by aged 
persons more than fifty years ago. 

These streams were highly prized by the first settlers, as 
they afforded some very good mill privileges. The town orig- 
inally was well wooded, the pine forests were extensive, and 
of large growth. Besides many kinds of hard wood, the oak, 
white and black, Avas very abundant, and of large size ; many 
of the white oaks were very straight and tall, used for ships' 
keels, but used more extensively for timber and planks in ship 
building ; large and tall pine trees were used for masts, but a 
great proportion were sawed into plank for ships' decks. It 
was a very great object with the people of the town to prepare 
this timber for sale for building vessels. 

To accomplish this purpose, saw-mills were erected very 
early : three about the close of the seventeenth century. The 
first in 1G98, at South Abington, then called "Little Comfort," 
just above the present location of the Old Colony Railroad 



LOCATION. . 3 

Depot. The second about the year 1700, on the same stream, 
above where Gurney's tack factory now stands. The third 
in 1703, in the easterly part of the town, on the site now 
occupied by Beal's corn-mill. These mills were built before 
the town was incorporated, in 1710. Others were built some 
time after ; the first, on Beaver Brook, in 1729 ; the one by 
my house in 1731. I am not informed of the date of the 
erection of the one by Samuel Reed's, in East Abington. 
These mills were built by companies, no individual being able 
to accomplish such an undertaking. 

The lumber manufactured by these mills was of great use 
to the town, and was a source of great income. They also 
gave employment to a great many hands and teams. From 
the erection of the mills in 1693, up to 1830, the lumbering 
business was a great support of all the other interests of the 
town ; it came greatly in aid in building their houses and 
barns, clearing up lands, and buildings roads, &c. 

The principal mart for timber and plank for ship building, 
was the North River, in Hanover and Scituate ; from fifteen 
to twenty vessels, some of large size, would be in building at 
the same time. Many other places were supplied from this 
town with like materials, particularly Duxbury, Plymouth, 
Hingham, Weymouth, and Boston. There were lumber men, 
as they were called, in the height of this business, who made 
it their employment to contract with ship bviilders to furnish 
timber, plank, keels, and masts for vessels ; and to supply 
other builders in part, they bought timber in the woods stand- 
ing, both in and out of town, and prepared it themselves. 
One of the most prominent dealers in this way was Capt. 
Obadiah Hersey, of South Abington, long since deceased. 
He patronized saw-mills in this way greatly, particularly the 
one at South Abington. He furnished a lot of white oak 
planks, called wale plank, seven inches thick at a given width, 
over forty feet long, for the celebrated frigate " Constitution," 
built at Boston. The large white oak trees from which these 
planks were sawed, were squared in the woods to lighten the 
carting; these were very hard to roll on the log-ways, as they 



4 • LOCATION. 

had to be canted over each square. They were sawed at my 
father's mill, near my house ; I remember seeing these enor- 
mous logs, and the great planks which they made. Three of 
them made a load to Boston, the jourcey to and from which 
occupied two days. There are no such trees here now. 

Another very profitable business, the making of boxes, was 
carried on in this town by means of its timber, for forty years, 
from 1790 to 1830. Several enterprising individuals were 
engaged in it very largely. Among these might be named 
the Messrs. Tirrells, Oakes & Isaac, Lebbeus Gurney, Luke 
Nash, and several others. The Messrs. Tirrells and Mr. 
Nash removed to Boston, and set up the business there. These 
boxes were sold in Boston, and called chocolatCj soap, candle, 
card, book, and hardware boxes, as they were used for the 
packing of these articles ; and many were used for the pack- 
ing of other articles, as fish, English goods and groceries; 
millions were disposed of for these purposes. 

The wood and timber of this town is still very valuable. 
In times referred to, pine wood was sold at one dollar per 
cord, oak wood one dollar and fifty cents per cord ; now 
pine is worth four dollars, and oak six dollars per cord. 
Boards are proportionally higher. Few boxes of the former 
description are now made here ; they are made in Boston, 
which saves transportation. But the boxes now made are 
much more valuable than ever before, but are for other pur- 
poses. The whole number used in this town is estimated at 
fifty thousand yearly ; thirty thousand for the packiug of boots 
and shoes, twenty thousand for shoe points, tacks, brads, and 
other articles. Tbeir value is estimated at from twelve to 
fifteen thousand dollars annually ; some of the boxes used here 
are made in other towns, and many are made here for other 
places. The boards are sawed now from a second growth 
of pine, called sapling pine ; the old pine trees have become 
very scarce. Circular saws came in aid of sawing such 
boards, and reduced the expense greatly. These boards are 
sawed at dimensions to suit the size of boxes, and much thin- 
ner than common inch boards. Shingles are sawed in thia 



r '^CATION. o 

way very extensively. Our predecessors had none of tliese 
facilities, and no call for these articles, except shingles. 
Owing to these advantages, the value of our wood and timber 
is greatly enhanced ; so much so, that it has become a ques- 
tion whether the greatly diminished quantity within the limits 
of the town at the present day is not of as much value as the 
old growth was at any former period. 

The soil of the town is sti'ong, and good for production, 
though rocky, and hard of cultivation. It is generally better 
for grass and grazing tlian tillage. The surface is rough and 
broken. The meadow lands abound in peat ; some bog ore 
is found in them. The blue slate stone prevails in some parts 
of the uplands. The subduing of this hard-hearted soil was 
a herculean labor ; large rocks were dug up by bars and levers. 
The simple idea of canting them out by oxen was not thought 
of. Large plows, called " New ground plows," were used, 
drawn by twelve or fifteen yoke of oxen ; twenty yoke have 
been seen in one team. Such a plow threw up, as was 
intended, rocks, roots, and small stumps ; and, (what was a 
very great mistake and loss,) buried the top-soil, the best of 
the land, about two feet under ground, and it was very seldom 
heard from afterwards. This was one of my first experi- 
ments in farming. Fifty years ago, I broke up about five 
acres in this way, using a new ground plow drawn by twelve 
or fourteen yoke of oxen, burying the top-soil so deep that I 
am not aware that I have ever heard from it since. The 
expense was enormous, (one dollar and seventy-five cents per 
day for the use of the plow only,) about equalling the price 
of the land. Now the thing is done much cheaper and better ; 
two or three yoke of oxen are sufficient, and a much lighter 
plow is used ; rocks and stumps are taken out by machineiy, 
combined of the screws and lever, and loaded under wheels 
at the same time, ready to be carried off. Other farming 
utensils are equally improved, as hoes, rakes, shovels, and 
the scraper, which was not known here until it was used 
in building the New Bedford turnpike, about fifty years ago. 
Besides these, we have seed-sowing machines, raking, reaping, 
1* 



6 LOCATION. 

mowing, and threshing machines, worked by horse-power, 
and also many improved implements of less importance, to 
aid the farmer, as improved wheels, carts and wagons, scythes, 
snaths, pitchforks, &c. 

Now our predecessors of the past, and a good part of the 
present century, had none of these improvements ; they worked 
with such implements as they had ; they did what they could 
without these means ; they cleared up a great deal of land, 
built walls and made roads, set out fruit-trees, particularly the 
apple-tree, which they cultivated more extensively than the 
present population ; but the fruit was of a greatly inferior 
quality. Grafting, if known, was but little practised, and the 
best varieties of apples now raised, were not known. Plad 
they had our modern improvements to aid their labor, the 
result of their doings would have been, in all probability, 
vastly different ; but if things were different from.' what they 
now are, there is no telling what they would be. 



CHAPTER n. 

Eoads. — Their foiincr Location. — Tlie Past and Present Mode of 
Repairing them, and Making of New Roads. 

Before the incorporation of the town in 1710, two county 
roads were laid out through the territory composing it ; one 
leading from Middleborough through Bridgewaler (now East 
Bridgewater), Washington Street in Abington, passing by the 
South and Centre meeting-houses in Abington, to Weymouth 
— to meet a road leading to Boston. This was in 1690. The 
other from Plymouth, through Pembroke (now Hanson), by 
the Indian Head River Pond, where Henry H. Brigham's 
tack factory now stands ; into Abington by Plymouth Street 
(formerly called Back Street), passing by the way that leads 
to Little Comfort (now South Abington), about a mile to the 
eastward of Hersey's saw-mill, which stood near the present 
location of the Old Colony Railroad Depot, to Weymouth. 
This was in 1707. 

For almost all the travel from towns south and east of this, 
these were the two main roads through Abington for more 
than one hundred years : one passing on the westerly, the 
other on the easterly part of the same. Stages ran from 
Plymouth through this town on the easterly road for some 
years, commencing from the first part of this century. The 
other road (the westerly one) was the main route for the 
towns in the westerly part of Plymouth County, and a thor- 
oughfare for stages from New Bedford, through Middle- 
borough, after the New Bedford and Bridgewater turnpiJie 
was made (over fifty years ago) to Boston. 

After this period, the roads were somewiiat improved in 
this fown, and new ones made. But when East Abington 
became a parish, making a centre for their meeting-house 
away from all the old roads, quite an outlay for new roads 

(7) 



8 ROADS. 

was made necessary. When tlie Old Colony Railroad was 
established, running six miles through the centre of the town, 
a great many new roads were made, leading to the three 
depots ill town. Others Avere made a short time previous to 
this, at considerable cost; one of the most expensive, from 
South Abington to North Bridgcwater ; one from the same 
place to North Hanson, and several at East and North 
Abington. 

Since 1845, there has been reported as paid for making new 
roads, $27,864 ; the largest amount in any one year was 
85,486, in 1855. The yearly average for the last fourteen 
years is about $2,000. 

Besides this great outlay for new roads, the repairs of the 
highways have been very expensive, especially on the old 
roads. The new roads being Avell made, required much less 
repairs. Previous to 1816 the highways were repaired by 
polls Avorking a certain amount (generally one day), and 
estates in proportion. 

This system, with some slight variations, was continued 
until 1832. In that year a specific sum, ^1,500, was raised; 
in 1849, 82,200; in 1852, 1853, 1854, 1855, 1857, and 1859, 
$2,500 ; in 185G, $3,000. For the intermediate years not 
named, being nineteen years, $2,000 was raised for each 
year; amounting, in the whole, for the past twenty-eight years 
since 1831, to nearly $60,000. And if for the same time 
(twenty-eight years) we should estimate tlie amount expended 
in building new roads at $40,000, which would be only adding 
about $12,000 for the first fourteen years from 1831, (in the 
last fourteen years, as stated above, $28,000 vv^as expended,) 
v/e should sum up a grand total of $100,000 laid out in repairs 
of highways and making new roads in this town, in the past 
twenty-eight years- 
There has been much diversity of opinion in respect to the 
J)est mode of repairing highways, and making new roads. 
The practice for repairing has generally been by a labor tax ; 
some years by a money tax. The making of new roads has 
generally been put out to be done on contract. In some years 



ROADS. 9 

surveyors have drawn money from the town treasury, and 
expended it at their discretion. The town has changed 
repeatedly from one mode to the other. The highway dis- 
tricts have varied greatly ia size since 1829 : there have been 
twenty-four districts for eleven years ; twenty-three for one 
year ; twenty-two for twelve years ; fourteen for two years ; 
three for four years. The highest number (twenty-four) is 
the present one; last year (1858), fom-teen. When the dis- 
tricts were fewest, there was a money tax for one or two 
years. 

In former times, say over fifty years ago, the labor system 
was doubtless the best, the population being less than two 
thousand, and money not abundant ; but now, and for a good 
many years past, it is a wretched system. Since the poll tax 
has been reduced to a trifle, it is next to impossible to receive 
it in work, amounting, as it does, to less than a quarter or a 
third of a day's work. 

Another great difficidty in the district system is a just 
appropriation of the money raised, to the various districts. 
This used to be done by taxing each individual in his district 
according to his town valuation. Sometimes one-half of the 
money raised in the town was divided equally among all the 
districts, and the other half according to their polls and 
estates, or as they stood in the town valuation ; and some- 
times in part by the number of rods of road in the district : 
this year, for the first time, wholly by the number of rods of 
road in each district. This is an experiment, and doubtless 
will prove very unsatisfactory, if not unjust to many dis- 
tricts. Great length of road in districts but little travelled, 
will draw from districts where there is ten, and, perhaps, 
tAventy times the travel, amounts which would be far more 
usefully expended in the latter districts. 

As an instance of the unjust working of this system, I 
would state how it affects the district in which I live, (on 
South Avenue,) and the district in Plymouth Street, where 
Lebbeus Gurney, Jr., lives. Our district draws seventy dol- 
lars — the other ninety dollars. Now our distnct has had no 



10 ROADS. 

new roads made for many yeai's, atid is quite hilly and uneven, 
and has a large travel, tiie Old Colony Railroad Depot lying 
in the centre of it ; whilst the roads in the other district are 
all new made and gravelled, and in complete order. Over 
two thousand dollars have been expended in this district within 
four years : about one-half of it within two years. Twenty 
or thirty dollars would have been a full share for that district. 
How the ninety dollars are to be expended is a question. The 
same irregularity will be found in other districts. 

There is another great evil in the district system as now 
managed, whether it is by a labor or a money tax. Survey- 
ors cannot be got that are practical men in repairing roads or 
making new roads, and but few will attend to it : and it is 
much more difficult to apply labor than formerly. In past 
times most of the farmers had oxen, which were much more 
efficient than horses with carts or wagons. But ox teams 
now are much dimiuished, whilst horse carts and wagons are 
superabundant ; and on days of turning out to work on high- 
ways, it is difficult and almost impossible to get hand laborers. 

And when a money tax is made, and the town is divided 
into three districts, with as many surveyors to expend the 
money at their discretion, there is often occasion for much 
complaint. Inefficient men are employed ; poor teams, inade- 
quately manned ; and the town is liable to be badly speculated 
upon. The case has been, when a surveyor had the whole 
command of the money in a large district, he would go and 
purchase in the spring three or four yoke of oxen, charge the 
town one dollar and twenty-five cents, if not one dollar and 
fifty cents per day for their work, (and they are not likely to 
be Avorkcd very hard,) and at the end of the season a bill 
of one hundred and fifty to one hundred and seventy-five dol- 
lars is charged the town for the labor of each yoke ; enough 
to pay for their purchase and keeping, and such are sold in 
the fall for beef. In this way the surveyor has a chance, 
besides his wages, to clear his oxen or the price of them. 

Instead of this vacillating system, or rather no system at 
all, a different course has been strenuously urged upon the 



ROADS. 11 

town for a number of years. But whilst all see the difficulty 
they will not adopt the remedy. The recommendation is for 
the town to purchase the oxen, say six or eight yoke, and a 
few horses ; also some carts and plows, and a sufficient lot 
of tools, and then emjiloy one or two men as surveyors at a 
daily agreed price, to do the work, without any chance to 
speculate on teams, or wages of men : to employ twenty, thirty, 
or forty able-bodied men to work for the season at a fixed 
price, to board themselves, to work ten hours a day, as labor- 
ers do in building railroads. The carts, plows, and tools, 
would last many years. I noticed in one of our surveyor's 
bills that he paid more for the use of a horse-cart in one sea- 
son, than a new one would have cost. 

This mode would remedy many evils ; give two hours more 
work by each laborer daily. A day's work of eight hours 
would be gained each day on four hands ; on forty, ten days ; 
on three thousand days' work, which is about the number 
required yearly to repair highways and make new roads, there 
would be a gain of seven hundred and fifty days' work of eight 
hours a day, or six hundred at ten hours a day, over the old 
system of eight hours a day. That this amount of labor 
would be required yearly, is within bounds, as over four thou- 
sand dollars have been expended yearly for these purposes for 
over twenty years past. 

There are other considerations in laying out new roads and 
building them, which towns ought to attend to more particu- 
larly. Many roads are laid out in aid of private speculation 
and individual accommodation, without regard to the general 
interest. A noted case of this description took place some 
twenty years ago. I refer to it as a specimen of other like 
cases. A road was laid out by the County Commissioners on 
the petition of Nathaniel Shaw and others, in 1835, leading 
from South Abington up a lane, beginning at the termination of 
the Whitman Road, so called, now on Washington Street, to 
Jairus Fullerton's, on the westerly part of the town, called 
Locust, intended as a road leading to North Bridgewater, to 
shorten the distance. ^,,'' (j^i/orgU)' '^\ «:: 



r i-IBRARY 



V 



"^J^mejQ^ ^-^'^ 



-^^ ■•ty. 



12 ROADS. 

At a towTi meeting May 4, 1835, an article was inserted in 
the warrant to raise money to build it. I objected to it, (I 
hope I shall be excused in using the first person, as I cannot 
tell the story without,) and stated that the road was laid out 
crooked, running up sai^i lane to said Shaw's house, or by it, 
about one hundred and fifty rods nearly south-west, then about 
north-west to its termination at Locust, crossing the New 
Bedford turnpike in swampy land, unfit for building lots, and 
would not save over one mile in going to North Bridgevvater 
village ; but if on a straight line, (where it now is,) it would 
pass over high land "(Mount Zion, so called) very eligible for 
building lots, aud would quadrate with other roads in the 
parish, crossing the New Bedford turnpike, where a daily 
stage then run, on high ground, and would save, instead of 
one mile, two miles in passing to North Bi'idgewater. There 
was strong opposition to this move, but the town voted to 
pass over the article, and also voted to choose a committee 
of five to view the premises, and if they thought it best to 
change the location, to petition the County Commissioners to 
do so. 

This committee, consisting of Joseph Cleverly, Nathan 
Beal, John Cushiug, David Beal, and Spencer Vining, went 
upon the premises, or a part of them, without notifying me, 
and I was not aware of the time, and was not present. The 
committee did not petition for any change, or even make any 
report, as I ever heard of, and there is none on record, from 
which it was inferred that they approved of the location. 

But so deeply was I impressed with the necessity of this 
change, I headed a petition (a few others joining me) to the 
County Commissioners, to discontinue the Locust route and 
adopt the straight line, and also to extend the road from J. 
FuUerton's, southerly about fifty rods, to intersect this route. 
This application was approved by the town ; for at a town 
meeting, (an article being inserted in the warrant for this 
purpose,) September 19, 183G, they voted that the town 
make no opposition to the petition of Benjamin Hobart and 
others for a location of a new road from Samuel Norton's, in 



ROADS. 13 

Abington, to B. Edson's, in North Bridgewater. By this 
vote I was relieved from any opposition from the town. 

The result was that the location was changed, and the 
other route was discontinued, and the new one established, 
with the extension of the short route from J. Fullerton's to 
this. This was not effected without a severe trial. Besides 
a strong opposition by the petitioners for the first route, the 
town of East Bridgewater made strenuous opposition to it, as 
it passed through a portion of that town, while the other route 
did not. Their agent chosen to oppose it was one of the 
County Commissioners, the late Isaac Alden, Esq., excluded 
from acting with the other Commissioners, as his town was 
interested. The success was owing mainly to one of the 
County Commissioners, the late Col. J. B. Turner, of Scitu- 
ate. His independence, foresight and good judgment, led him 
decidedly to favor the change. 

To effect this change cost me much time and labor, and 
considerable expense. I attended the County Commissioners 
at a number of their stated courts ; was with them in viewing 
the route repeatedly ; attended several hearings before them ; 
looked lip documents and witnesses ; but it was a sacrifice 
with which I have been well pleased, as the result has 
always been so well received. The statement which I made 
to the town on moving to change the route, has been more 
than realized : the saving in distance has been made ; a very 
fine street opened on elevated grounds ; other roads have 
been opened to it, and nearly fifty dwelling-houses have been 
erected on the site, all of them in very good style, and some 
of them quite elegant. Mr. Oliver G. Healey has been the 
principal owner, and architect ; he has built for himself a 
very splendid house, in which he now resides ; quite elevated, 
and commanding a very extensive prospect. I am informed 
by him that he has built on " Mount Zion," as it used to be 
called, and in the vicinity, about one hundred dwelling-houses. 
In compliment to him for these exertions, this elevated tract 
of land is, by common consent, called " Mount Oliver." 
2 



14 KOADS. 

There are many otlier tilings and abuses in repairing liigh- 
"ways and making new roads, which want correcting, but I 
can only refer to two or three of them in this sketch. We 
have this year twenty-four surveyors in as many districts. It 
is not expected that they will work themselves, but only over- 
see and direct ; and if they receive only one dollar per day, 
and are employed ten days each, it Avill amount to two hun- 
dred and forty days, and to as many dollars ; but if at one 
dollar and twenty-five cents per day, which is most probable, 
their wages will amount to three hundred dollars. Now this 
sum (three hundred dollars) would employ two efficient sur- 
veyors at two dollars per day, seventy-five days each, at ten 
hours per day, same as the hands. If at two dollars and fifty 
cents per day, sixty days each, and the work would be done 
in season, and where it Avould be wanted. And as to mak- 
ing new roads, as it is voted this year to be done, by putting 
them out at auction, a saving of twenty-five per cent, might 
be made ; for contractors intend, generally, to make that sum, 
besides their expenses for hands and teams. Many of the 
roads made in this way, by contract, have been greatly 
slighted. Among these, witness the road on Plymouth Street 
from Nathaniel Jenkins' to Jesse Reed's, which was ordered 
to be widened and straightened by the County Commissioners, 
but the contractor did it before some of the walls and fences 
•were removed or built, almost wholly on the lay of the old 
road ; and when the fences were put up, the made road, instead 
of running in the centre, ran from one side to the other, and 
where the greatest widening was, the road was made about 
on the old track, without any advantage from tlie widening. 
Fifty per cent, probably was made on this contract, the bill 
amounting to several hundred dollars. 



CHAPTER III. 

Beecli Hill. — Location of Roads over it. 

Some time since I wrote quite a lengthy article on this 
subject, and published it in the Ahington Standard as a part 
of my Historical Reminiscences ; but since then a change has 
taken place by the laying out by the County Commissioners, 
and building of a new road over the hill. This road, com- 
mencing at the soutlierly end of Spring Street, in Abington, 
runs southerly over or near the summit of Beech Hill ; thence 
to a point on a road in the town of Hanson, between the 
houses of Leander Lewis and Joseph Cox, or to Cox's Corner, 
— formerly so called. 

This was a very unwise location ; for the road varies from 
a straight line between the termini, nearly one mile ; from the 
top of the hill it runs south-easterly through lowland, swampy, 
and unfit, a great portion of the way, for building lots, and a 
very bad way to make a road upon. This road, as now laid 
out and built, has been adjudged by two previous Boards of 
County Commissioners to be not required for public conveni- 
ence and necessity. 

In 1819, over forty years ago, it appears from the town 
records that " Nathan Gurney, James Bates and Jared Whit- 
man, were chosen a committee to oppose a road petitioned for 
over Beech Hill to Hatch's Corner, — the termini of the 
present road, — and on October 3, 1831, twelve years after, 
Benjamin Hobart and James Bates were chosen a committee 
to oppose a road over the same route, petitioned for by 
Cornelius Cobb and others." 

Besides all this opposition, there is another one construc- 
tively to the same effect, of April 2, 1832, according to an 
article in the warrant for that purpose. A committee of 
three were chosen to " view a route for a new road across 

(15) 



16 BEECH HILL ROADS. 

Beech Hill, and to report to the town their opinion, and stake 
out a route that they may think proper, if any. Com- 
mittee : — William Torrey, Christopher Dyer, and Joshua 
King." 

This committee never made any report, or at least there 
is no record of any. This is not strange, nor is it singular, 
that the two Boards of County Commissioners did not approve 
of the routes proposed. There are no termini for the road to 
commence and end at, that are favorahle and feasible. The 
form of the hill is such that the road laid out as now, is a 
great injury to the town — particularly to South Abington. 
A great portion of it is to be made by this town, and there is 
no calculation how it is to be entered from South Abingtou 
Depot. It can only be entered by extending South Avenue 
from the dwelling-house of Isaiah Tillson to it. 

But perhaps it may be said, let Abington make a new road 
from Mr. Hendley's house in Abiugton, to the top of the hill. 
But this is not feasible. Beech Hill is so precipitous on the 
westerly side, that a road cannot be made upon that side ; and 
if it could, you would have to make a very sharp angle to 
meet the east end of South Avenue ; or a new road, almost a 
mile long, would have to be made to make a straight line to 
Henry H. Brigham's house, to enter the road leading to the 
depot. All this ground has been vicAved repeatedly, and no 
conclusion has ever been come to. The question then arises, 
■where the road ought to be ? There are two ways, and one 
of them has already been alluded to — that is, to extend South 
Avenue from near Tillson's house to the new-built road over 
the hill^ to meet it, and save two miles travel through Hanson ; 
but this is superseded now by another proposition, Avhich is to 
make a road as petitioned for by Henry II. Brigham and 
several hundreds of others, inhabitants of eight towns in 
Plymouth County — about one hundred of them in South 
Abington — requesting the County Commissioners to layout 
a road fi'om the east end of South Avenue, near said Tillson's 
house, extending easterly to King Street, in Hanover, near 
the house of the late Samuel House, thence to the four corners 



BEECH HILL ROADS. 17 

on Teague's Hill, so called, in said Hanover. This petition 
now lies in court, and lias been continued from time to time, 
on account of the exigencies of the times, in consequence 
of the civil war. It will be called up at a proper time. 
The object of this petition is to open and straighten the 
road from Abiugton and other towns on the west, to Hanover 
and other towns to the cast of that town, particularly to 
Scituate, Pembroke, Duxbury and Marshfield. At the latter 
town there is a watering-place on the sea-board, and a village 
called South Abington, which has become of late years a place 
of great resort in the warm season of the year, not only for 
the inhabitants of South Abington, but for those of other 
towns west of it; and there will be a saving of tAvo miles 
travel from those towns, if this route should be established 
as a public highway ; and it is confidently believed that it 
will be. By crossing the new road lately made over the 
hill, it will open a way to its summit for the inhabitants of 
South Abington village, and many of the inhabitants of Han- 
over. 

This road is very much needed, not only for the settlers on 
the hill to go to the depot and post office in South Abington 
village, but for many of the inhabitants of the town of Han- 
over to get to the same place, and also for the people of South 
Abington to get to Hanover. In both these towns there are 
many individuals who are owners of large tracts of cultivated 
and wood lands on the hill. If this road, as contemplated, is 
made, it will open all the avenues to the hill that ought to be 
calculated upon, or opened, for many years. It is true that 
the distance from the hill to the depot, the post-office, and the 
village there, will be about one mile further than it would 
have been if the location had been changed, as referred to 
above, and come out at or near the east end of South Avenue, 
near Isaiah Tillson's house. 

But the town has already been at great expense to make 
the present road over the hill ; and as there are only two 
families on the hill at this time, it will not be necessary to 
make any other roads to that locality for many years. 



18 BEECH HILL UOADS. 

These calculations are based on the idea that the road 
petitioned for, as above stated, and now depending in court, 
is laid out and made. If this is not done, there will soon 
have to be built two roads — one fiom the top of the liill to 
come to the depot in South Abington village, and one to King 
Street in Hanover, at a much greater expense tlian the one 
petitioned for. But tlie road prayed for will answer all the 
purpose of the two other roads, and accomplish also a great 
many other purposes. And hereafter, when the settlements 
on the hill become extended, a road can be made from its top 
to meet this contemplated road near the east end of South 
Avenue, near said Tillson's house. 

I had some thoughts of omitting this whole chapter; but 
as all the doings, relating to roads over the hill, have much 
bearing on the petition now depending, and upon other roads 
which will be Avanted hereafter, I have concluded not to omit, 
but to retain the chapter. 

There are many other proceedings which have been had, 
such as petitions for roads over the hill, and several views of 
County Commissioners, which are not alluded to above, and 
need not be, because they are matters of record. 

Efforts to make the lauds on the sum nit of the hill, and its 
surroundings, more accessible, have been making for many 
years ; and no road has ever reached them but the one 
referred to above. This road is not without its convenience 
and utility, especially to East Abington and Ilansou ; but it 
Las not accommodated South Abington, nor the hill, so far as 
getting to South Abington is concerned. 

This part of the town, called Beech Hill, and its surround- 
ings, comprises a large tract of land, estimated, indeed, to 
contain over three thousand acres, capable of great improve- 
ments, and of sustaining a large population ; and it will, 
doubtless, in time, become a very important section of the 
town. This chapter, if it sliould ever reacli such a population, 
will remind them of th3 great efforts made for their accommo- 
dation in Di'eceding times. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Population, Valuation and Polls. — Their Increase and Amount. 

The population of Abington, according to the best means 
of ascertaining it, was, in 1726, (fourteen years after its incor- 
poration,) 371 ; but we have no reliable means of ascertaining 
it every ten years, that I know of, until the United States 
census in 1790. It was then 1,453; in 1800, 1,625; 1810, 
1,704; 1820, 1,920; 1830, 2,423; 1840, 3,144; 1850, 5,269; 
1855, (five years,) 6,936. From this it appears that for 
the sixty-four years from 1726 to 1790, the increase of the 
population of this town was 1,082 ; from 1790 to 1800, 176 ; 
1800 to 1810, 81 ; 1810 to 1820, 216 ; 1820 to 1830, 503 ; 
1830 to 1840, 721; 1840 to 1850, 2,125; 1850 to 1855, (five 
years,) 1,667 (this being the last census). 

By the above, we see a very slow increase of the population 
of the town for sixty-four years — from 1726 to 1790, only 
1,082; seventeen yearly, and 165 for every ten years; and 
also from 1790 to 1820, (thirty years,) 467 — averaging 16 
yearly, and 156 every ten years; — less, yearly, than the sixty- 
four years previous. The increase the next ten years, from 
1820 to 1830, was more than the thirty years previous; it 
being 503. The increase from 1830 to 1840 was truly sur- 
prising, it being 721 ; the increase from 1840 to 1850 was 
much more so, viz.: 2,125; but from 1850 to 1855, (five 
years,) it almost exceeded belief — being 1,667; and if this 
ratio of increase, for the other five years, up to 1860, should 
continue, (and no doubt it will,) the increase of population, in 
this town, for the ten years from 1850 to 1860, will amount 
to 3,334 ; and the Avhole population, then, to 8,605. 

If we compare this increase of population with tliat of the 
other towns in the county of Plymouth, it will show an extra- 
ordinary result ; for this increase of 3,334, as above, in only 

(19) 



20 POPULATION. 

ten years, will probably, in 1860, exceed the whole population 
of any of the towns in the county, except five, viz. : Plymouth, 
Middleborough, Hingham, North Bridgewater, and Bridge- 
water. The whole increase of all the towns in the county, 
from 1850 to 1855, was 5,816. Deduct the increase, in 
Abington, (1667,) and the inci-ease in all the other towns 
(twenty-three) would be 4,147 ; the increase in Abington, for 
this period, is more than one-third of the increase of all the 
other towns in the county. Deduct the increase in Abington 
and North Bridgewater for the same time, (five years,) viz. : 
2,928, and the increase in all the other towns (2,886) would 
be less by about fifty, than in these two tOAvns ; and there are 
now (1865) but three towns in the State, except incorporated 
cities, which stand higher in population than Abington, and 
these only by a small number. 

The valuation of the town, its increase and amount, is 
equally as extraordinary as its population, as the following 
will show. TVifliout going further back than 1825, (and I 
have no data beyond that to compare,) which was one hun- 
dred and eleven years after its incorporation, the town's valu- 
ation stood, $414,916 (omitting cents); in 1831, $453,289; 
1835, $488,549; 1839, $529,714 ; 1845, $1,223,931 ; 1850, 
$1,767,163 ; 1855, $2,942,382 ; 1858, $3,186,579 ; and prob- 
ably it will stand, in 1860, $3,400,000. 

Here we see, as would be expected, a striking analogy 
between the increase of the population of the town and its 
valuation : the increase of valuation from 1825 to 1845, 
(twenty years,) was $809,015, but from 1845 to 1850, (five 
years,) it was $543,232, more than half as much for that 
time as in the twenty years previous. From 1850 to 1858 
it was $1,419,416 ; and from the last date to 1860, (two 
years,) this increase will probably exceed $2,000,000. The 
valuation in 1858 stood higher than in any other town in the 
county of Plymouth ; and this, no doubt, will be the case in 
1860. The increase of the number of polls, in Abington, 
was in accordance with the increase of population and val- 
uation. In 1825 there were 406 ; 1831, 578 ; 1835, 703 ; 



POPULATION. 21 

1839, 789; 1845,1,040; 1850, 1,489; 1855, 1,835; 1858, 
2,097. 

By the above we see a very great increase of popu- 
lation, valuation and polls, from about 1830 to 1858, and 
what they will probably be in 1860. We see, also, a very 
slow progress in their advances up to that time, being one 
hundred and sixteen years from the incorporation of the town, 
in 1810. To account for all these changes would require much 
time, patience and research. We can only glance at a few. 

At the commencement of all the settlements in New Eng- 
land, the progress of improvements and the increase of popu- 
lation were slow. The start was from very limited numbers 
— a wilderness was before the few inhabitants to be subdued — 
they were almost without money and without tools — a sa\'age 
foe was at their heels — a bare subsistence was first to be 
acquired. But to turn our attention to this town, as that is 
our subject : when the population had become considerable 
towards the close of the last century, (about 1,400,) it was 
very fluctuating and unsteady. The soil was hard of cultiva- 
tion, and many individuals and families left here for other 
parts, for cheaper and better lands. This continued until 
1830. The emigration was to Vermont, New Hampshire and 
Maine, and to the westerly part of tliis State ; the towns of 
Cummington and Plainfield, in Hampshire County, in this 
State, then being townships numbered 4 and 5, were greatly 
aided in their population by immigrants from this town. My 
wife's mother. Miss Mary Ford, with her father, Hezekiah 
Ford, emigrated from this town upwards of ninety years ago, 
to the township No. 4, now Cummington, at the age of fifteen 
years, and married there an emigrant from Bridgewater — 
Edmund Lazell — a brother of the late Gen. Sylvanus Lazell, 
of East Bridgewater. They raised up a numerous family, 
but not one of their descendants remains there now. Mrs. 
Lazell remarked to me, that " she had paid Abingtou for the 
loss of herself, by sending back her daughter." 

There were but few immigrations to this town during the 
period named. There were no manufacturing establishments 



22 POPULATION. 

to give employment to hands, and many of our young men 
sought employment in other sections. But in about 1830, 
things began to change for the better. The New Bedford 
and Bridgewater turnpike passing through this town, had 
been in operation some twenty years ; stages began to run 
through the town, daily, from Plymouth and New Bedford, 
to Boston ; baggage wagons also started into operation. The 
tack business commenced a few years previous to this, which 
gave employment to many hands and teams. Marketing also 
commenced about this time, on quite a large scale, not only 
for the supply of this town and neighboring towns, but also 
that of Plymouth, New Bedford, and other towns at a dis- 
tance. The late Col. Brackley Gushing did an extensive 
business in this way, and also Mr. Bethuel Penniman, Jr., 
and some others. Mr. Penniman's business became so exten- 
sive in New Bedford, that he removed there, with his family, 
a few years before 1830. He supplied that market with the 
best of beef, and other meats, for many years. Thousands 
of heads of cattle, for beef and stores, has he purchased at 
Brighton, and drove to that market. He has relinquished this 
business now, with ample means, and is at present interested 
in the whale fisheries — a worthy sample of an Abington go- 
ahead man. 

About this time the weaving business commenced here, and 
became quite extensive. Yarn was furnished by the cotton 
factories, and wove into cloth by hand-looms ; this gave 
employment to a great many females. There was a cloth 
woven here of cotton and linen yarn — very thin and sleazy — 
called Farrar cloth, after the name of the person who carried 
on the making of it very extensively. This cloth Avas painted 
and glazed for covering of tables and trunks. 

Another very great impetus given to the increase of popula- 
tion and wealth, Avas the opening of the Old Colony Railroad 
in 1845, passing through the whole length of the town — over 
six miles — and having three depots. The making of this 
road led to a large influx of foreigners, and many took 
uo their residences here, with their families. These were 



POPULATION. 23 

principally emigrants from Ireland. Previous to this, many 
young girls, from the " Emerald Isle," were employed ia 
families as domestics, and many laboring men of this sort 
found employment in farming and ia our manufacturing estab- 
lishments, so that probably the population, from this source, 
was increased over one thousand ; and without this aid the 
town would have lost much of its thrift. 

But the greatest impetus given to the increase of population 
was the extraordinary start which the boot and shoe business 
took between 1820 and 1830. This business gave employ- 
ment to numerous hands, both male and female, and many 
from other towns sought employment here in this business ; 
but I will not enlarge on this subject now, as I shall probably 
take it up in another article, as also some of the other subjects 
alluded to above — the tack business, agricultural pursuits, &c. 

As business increased, and employment was found at home, 
emigration from here became less — in fact the tide turned the 
other way : emigration from other towns was to this ; and 
many, now, of our most thriving boot and shoe manufacturers 
came among us, took up their residence here, and have become 
some of our most enterprising citizens. Many single young 
men and Avomen, from Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, 
and the western parri of this State, have come here and taken 
up their residence. The parents of many of them went from 
here formerly, and left many connections, as brothers and sis- 
ters ; so, in returning, they came among their friends. Many 
of these have formed connections here, and have families. 
This class numbers some hundreds. In our tack and other 
business we have employed, I should judge, in the thirty years 
past, over one hundred, and something like one-half of them 
have formed connections here, and settled down into families. 
This class of immigrants came with good morals and habits 
of industry, and have been quite an acquisition to the popula- 
tion of the town. The parents of many of them left here in 
quest of better lands, and when they multiplied beyond the 
wants of agricultural labor where they were, the surplus 
sought employment in other ways. At this particular time 



24 POPULATION. 

there was an opening here for additional help, and the boot 
and shoe business, with other calls for laborers, furnished full 
employment. Here Ave see that those who emigrated from us 
formerly, sent back their sons and daughters, with many of 
their young acquaintances, and made up the loss which they 
occasioned us when they left, with compound interest. 

Another cause of this increase of population was, the settle- 
ment, at about the time referred to, (1830,) and since, of quite 
a number of professional men. Six or seven additional min- 
isters were settled here, with families, and as many doctors, 
two or three lawyers, and quite a number of school teach- 
ers — with many tradesmen and mechanics. These several 
additions and classes will be referred to hereafter, in other 
sketches. 



CHAPTER V. 

Scbool Districts. — Changes in tliem. — Money raised for Schooling. — 
School Committees. — System of Schooling in Past Times and at 
the Present Time. 

In 1732 the first school-house in town was built. It stood 
near the Centre Meeting-house, and was the only one in town 
until 1755, twenty-three years after the first was built. Pre- 
vious to this, in 1724, Mr. Samuel Porter was paid twenty 
dollars for keeping school. It must have been in some private 
room, and probably such a s^iool was continued until the first 
school-house was built, and after that in the first school-house, 
and otherAvise ; for it was frequently kept in different parts 
of the town, to equalize the travel, until the town was divided 
into five districts, in 1755. There was a law passed in 1789, 
requiring towns of two hundred families to keep a grammar- 
school twelve months in each year, in which the Latin and 
Greek languages should be taught by a master, qualified for 
that purpose. This school was kept alternately in each of the 
five districts, three months in each year. How the law was 
answered or evaded in keeping three months in a year instead 
of twelve, I am not aware. It was considered as an arbitrary 
law. Its object was to prepare students for entering college at 
the public expense. It was kept as the winter schools usually 
were, only the master must be qualified to teach the languages ; 
but few were prepared for entering college in this Avay ; but it 
helped the common schools, as it furnished better teachers. 

In 1794, thirty-nine years after the first districting, (in 
1755,) the districts were increased to eight, with some pro- 
vision to aid some families in the outskirts of the town, by 
granting to them a portion of the money raised for schoolmg. 
In 1822, eleven districts were made by bounds on the roads. 
In 1847, the eleven school districts were defined by lines, with 
metes and bounds, making some slight alterations frona 1822. 
3 (25) 



26 SCHOOLS. 

This was done to make definite the bounds of districts for the 
convenience of local taxation. In 1853, the district system in 
this town was abolished ; the regulation and superintendence 
of all the schools were assumed by the town ; new school- 
houses were built, the district school-houses being paid for by 
the town. 

The following sums have been raised, at different times, for 
schooling, and divided among the districts. Sometimes each 
district had an equal part, and at other times a part according 
to the number of polls, or the taxes paid by the inhabitants 
of the districts ; sometimes by one-half being divided equally 
among the districts, and the other half according to the num- 
ber of scholars in each ; changing almost every year, and 
often very unequally divided. In 1755, when the town was 
divided into five districts, the sum raised for schooling was 
only $89 ; this, if divided equally among the districts, would 
give to each $17.80. This continued to be the amount raised, 
until 17G5, (ten years,) when the amount Avas increased to 
$133.33, and this continued so for twenty years, — being 
$2G. 06 to each district. In 1785, the amount was $286.66 ; 
to each district, $57.35. This was the rate for ten years, 
imtil 1795, when it stood at $466.66. Without naming the 
division, it will only be necessary to name the sum raised at 
each change, for the same sum was continued to be raised 
from one change to another. In 1805, it was $833.33 ; 1810, 
$900 ; 1815, $850 ; 1818^19, $1,000 each year ; 1820, $800; 
1822, $1,000; 1825, $1,200; 1833, $1,400; 1834, $1,600; 
1839, $2,000 ; 1842, $2,500 ; 1848, $3,000 ; 1852, $5,000 ; 
1854, $6,000 ; 1857, $7,500 ; 1858, $6,500 ; 1859, $7,000. 
It appears from the above statement that the sums raised for 
schooling, from 1755 to 1805, (fifty years,) were very small; 
that there were five districts for thirty-nine years of that time, 
and eight for eleven years. The wages of teachers were 
much less then, than at the present time. Female teachers 
received from seventy-five cents to one dollar per week, and 
boarded themselves ; male teachers, eight to ten dollars per 
mouth, and boarded themselves. Schools were kept about 



SCHOOLS, 27 

three months in summer, by females, and about two months 
in winter, by males. Private schools were frequently kept for 
small children. 

The School Committees in Abington, as far as ascertained, 
are as follows : In 1807, ten were chosen to visit the schools, 
with the Rev. Samuel Xiles, and to recommend a uniformity 
of school-books. The same was done in 1808. It does not 
appear froia the records that any School Committee was 
chosen after that year, until 1825, (seventeen years,) when 
in each district three (thirty-three in all) wei'e chosen to visit 
the schools, and advise Avith the teachers. In 1826, one in 
each district was chosen. This year, (1826,) a very full law 
was passed, concerning schools ; requiring School Committees, 
examinations of teachers, visits to the schools, designation of 
books, giving to School Committees the power to select and 
hire teachers, and to regulate the order and discipline of the 
schools. The names of those who have served on the School 
Committee, Avith the years in which they served, are as 
folloAvs, viz. : — 

J. Whitman, Esq., 1826, 1827, 1835 and 1836 . 4 years. 
Dr. Ezekiel Thaxter, 1827, 1828, 1829, 1830, and 

1834 5 years. 

Rev. S. Colburn, 1827 1 year. 

Benjamin Hobart, 1828, 1829 and 1830 .... 3 years. 

Elihu Hobart, 1829 and 1830 2 " 

Capt. Daniel A. Ford, 1829 and 1831 .... 2 " 

Micah Pool, Esq., 1829 and 1830 2 " 

Josiah Holbrook, 1630 and 1836 2 " 

Rev. Daniel Thomas, 1837 to 1843 7 " 

Rev. Lucius Alden, 1831 to 1843 13 " 

Rev. Silas Hall, 1831, 1832, 1833 and 1834 . . 4 " 

Rev. M. G. Wheeler, 1832 and 1833 2 " 

Rev. J. W. Ward, 1835 to 1846, 1852, 1853, 1855 

and 1856 16 " 

Rev. Dennis Powers, 1844, 1845, 1846, 1848 and 

1849 5 " 



28 SCHOOLS. 

Eev. H. D. Walker, 1844, 1845, 1846, 1852, 1853, 

1854 and 1857 7 years. 

J. Arnold, Jr., 1847, 1848, 1849, 1850, 1851, 1853, 

1854, 1855 and 1856 9 " 

Eeuben Loud, 1847, 1857, 1858 and 1859 ... 4 " 

William A. Stone, 1848 and 1849 2 " 

Dr. J. M. Underwood, 1850, 1851, 1853, 1856 and 

1857 5 " 

Dr. A. P. Chase, 1850 to 1854 5 " 

Rev. Isaac C. White, 1853, 1854, 1855 and 1857 . 4 " 

William E. Sheldon, 1855 and 1856 2 " 

Dr. F. F. Forsaith, 1856 and 1857 2 " 

Rev. Varnum Lincoln, 1857, 1858 and 1859 . . 3 " 

Samuel Dyer, 1858 and 1859 2 " 

Besides the above, the following persons have served one 
year each : — 

Rev. Joseph Pettee, 1854 and part of 1857 ... 1 year. 

Rev. William H. Dalrymple, 1836 1 " 

William R. Vining, 1855 1 " 

Dr. Asa Millet, 1857 1 " 

Horace Reed, 1857 1 " 

Elbridgc Sprague, 1857 1 " 

John N. Noyes, 1857 1 " 

ChristopherDyer, Jr., 1857 1 " 

J. E. Keith, Esq., 1857 1 " 

It is on record, that in 1828 Nathaniel Hobart, Nathaniel 
Beal, Jacob Cobb, and David Lane, served for that year 
only. 

The School Committee consisted of five in 1829, 1830, 
1836, 1854, 1855 and 1856, six years ; of seven in 1828 and 
1853, two years; ten in 1857, one year; of three in all the 
rest of the years from 1826 to 1859, being twenty-four years. 

By the Revised Statutes of 1836, towns of five hundred 
families or householders were required to keep a school 



SCHOOLS. 29 

for the higher branches of English literature, equivalent to 
twenty-four mouths in each year ; and if of four thousand pop- 
ulation, the master shall, in addition, be qualified to instruct 
in the Latin and Greek languages, and general history, rhet- 
oric and logic ; which school shall be kept for the benefit of 
all the inhabitants of the town, at least ten months in each 
year, exclusive of vacation, at one fixed place, or alternately 
at different places, as the town should decide upon at their 
annual meeting. In this revision, towns were still required 
to choose School Committees, giving them further powers, 
and defining their services and duties. 

This law made a great change in towns having the requi- 
site population, which was the case in this town. After many 
efforts to evade the law, the town, in 1853, was led to adopt 
the system, and, as providq^, to abolish the school districts, 
and to take the management of all the schools into their own 
hands. To accomplish this, since that time, the town has 
paid for new school-houses and yards, $26,362.63, and has 
graded all the schools into Primary, Intermediate and Gram- 
mar schools, with the school to teach the higher branches of 
education, called the High School, as required by the statute, 
and under the direction of the School Committee. 

The sums that have been paid for services of School Com- 
mittees, as nearly as can be ascertained, are as below. The 
School Committee of 1840, which was composed of the Rev. 
Daniel Thomas, Rev. Lucius Alden, and Rev. J. W. Ward, 
were paid $42.60 to enable them to pay for blanks, and, per- 
haps, something for their services ; but nothing before this or 
after, until 1845, is found on record, to have been paid to 
School Committees. The payments from that time, (1845,) 
are as follows: — 

1845. 

Rev. J. W. Ward $20 65 

Rev. Dennis powers . . . . . . 20 GO 

Rev. H. D. Walker 15 00 



3* 



$55 65 



30 

Eev. J. W. Ward 
Rev. Dennis Powers 
Rev. H. D. Walker 



SCHOOLS 

1846 



1847, 



J. Arnold, Jr. 
Christopher Dyer, Jr. 
Reuben Loud 



1848 



J. Arnold, Jr. 
Rev. D. Powers . 
William A. Stone 



1849 



J. Arnold, Jr. . 
Rev. D. Powers . 
Dr. A. P. Chase 



$18 00 
20 00 
16 50 



1850. 



J. Arnold, Jr. 

Dr. J. M. Underwood 

Dr. A. P. Chase 



1851. 



J. Arnold, Jr. 

Dr. J. M. Underwood 

Dr. A. P. Chase 



Rev. J. W. Ward 
Rev. H. D. Walker 
Dr. A. P. Chase 



1852. 



$54 50 


$22 00 


14 


00 


23 


00 


$59 00 


$23 62 


53 


87 


44 


35 


$121 84 


$39 89 


95 


50 


42 


00 


$177 


39 


$61 00 


50 


00 


62 


00 


$173 


00 


$59 39 


57 


50 


61 


50 


$178 


39 


$58 00 


71 


75 


74 


00 



$203 75 



SCHOOLS. 



31 



1853 



Rev. J. W. Ward 
Rev. H. D. Walker 
Rev. I. C. White 
Dr. J. M. Underwood 
Dr. A. P. Chase . 
J. Arnold, Jr. 
E. Keith, Esq. 



1854. 

Rev. H. D. Walker . 

Rev. I. C. White 

J. Arnold, Jr. .... 

Dr. A. P. Chase .... 

Rev. N. Giinnerson, part of a year 

Rev. Joseph Pettee, part of a year 



1855. 



Rev. J. W. Ward 
Rev. I. C. White 
J. Arnold, Jr. 
William E. Sheldon 
William R. Vining 



$52 00 


46 


25 


27 


00 


26 


75 


40 


75 


43 


50 


19 


50 



$255 75 

$60 25 

68 75 
75 73 

69 25 
16 00 
48 15 

$338 13 



^68 11 
72 25 
61 25 
55 46 
20 97 







$278 04 




1856. 




Rev. J. W. Ward 




. $74 05 


Dr. J. M. Underwood 




44 00 


Dr. F. F. Forsaith . 




44 75 


William E. Sheldon . 




71 68 


J. Arnold, Jr. . . 




59 58 



$294 06 



32 



SCHOOLS. 



857. 
Eev. H. D. Walker . 
Rev. Joseph Pettee, part of a year 
Rev. I. C. White 
Dr. J. M. Underwood 
Dr. Asa Millet . 
Dr. F. F. Forsaith . 
Reuben Loud 
Horace Reed 
Elbridge Sprague . 

John N. Noyes . 
Rev. V. Lincoln, part of a year 



1858. 



Rev. V. Lincoln . 
Reuben Loud . 
Samuel Dyer . 



$42 25 


17 


47 


60 


75 


23 


50 


14 


25 


64 


25 


26 


76 


41 


25 


22 


32 


46 


47 


33 


00 


$392 27 


$103 00 


73 


36 


99 


75 



Total, 



$276 11 
$2,840 88 



The following additions of the school committees, and 
sums paid them from 1859 to 1864, were added after the fore- 
going was written, and are not included in any estimate of 
their time of service or sums paid them : — 

1859. 
Rev. Varnum Lincoln ..... 

Samuel Dyer ...... 

Reuben Loud ...... 

1860. 
Rev. Varnum Lincoln ..... 

Samuel Dyer ...... 

Horace D. Walker ..... 

Rev. Joseph Pettee, to fill vacancy 

$333 87 



$111 


00 


103 


50 


84 


62 


$299 


12 


$74 50 


135 


00 


76 


87 


47 


50 



SCHOOLS. 33; 



1861. 

Eev. Horace D. Walker $81 75 

Samu(jl Dyer 143 25 

Lewis E. Noyes 84 87 

1862. 
Rev. Horace D. Walker .... 

Samuel Dyer ...... 

Lewis E. Noyes ...... 

1863. 

Lewis E. Noyes 

Samuel Dyer ...... 

Eev. Horace D. Walker .... 

$299 17 
1864. 

Samuel Dyer $105 00 

Rev. Horace D. Walker 83 50 

Lewis E. Noyes 109 00 



$309 87 

$82 50 

107 25 

86 63 


$276 38 

$98 75 
122 79 

77 63 



$297 50 



Total, from 1859 to 1864, inclusive . . $1,815 91 

2,840 88 



Grand total $4,656 79 

The sums stated above, exclusive of the additions, amount 
to $2,840.88, paid to twenty-two members of the school 
committees. Of this sum, about $1,070.00 was paid to 
seven clergymen, and about $1,766.00 to fifteen laymen. 
There were twenty-four others who served without pay from 
1826 to 1845, more years in the aggregate than the twenty- 
two did ; these served sixty years ; the twenty-four, sixty-six 
years. The clergy served more than one-half of these sixty- 
six years gratuitously. It would be an act of justice, perhaps, 



34 SCHOOLS. 

to name them. They are as follows : E.ev. Daniel Thomas, 
seven years ; Rev. Lucius Alden, thirteen ; Rev. J. W. Ward, 
ten (Mr. Ward had pay for six out of sixteen years) ; Rev. 
Silas Hall, four ; Rev. Dennis Powers, one ; Rev. William 
H. Dalrymple, one, and Rev. H. D. Walker, one ; aggregate, 
thirty-seven years in all. On the whole, the schools were 
under the direction and superintendence of the clergy, com- 
prising the whole committee, or a majority of them, for nine- 
teen out of thirty-four years, (from 1826 to I860,) and fifteen 
years, wholly or by a majority of laity. 

In the selection of school committees there have been much 
competition, and continual changes. They have been often 
chosen on sectai'ian and political grounds ; frequently without 
much regard to qualifications. There has been a continual 
strife betwixt the supporters of the clergy and laity. Some- 
times the committee were all of the former, and sometimes 
all of the latter class. They were composed of the laity 
from 1826 to 1831 (five years). In that year (1831) a sud- 
den change was made, and it may not be uninteresting to state 
the circumstances under Avhich it took place. It placed the 
schools under the sole direction of the clergy for fifteen years 
— the school committees being composed AvhoUy of them 
(three each year) for thirteen years, and a majority of them 
for two years ; and from 1847 to 1859, (twelve years,) of the 
laity, wholly for five years, and by a majority of them, for 
seven years ; the clergy having a majority for one year only 
of that time. Some account of this change will show the 
influence of sectarian management, and the bad policy of sud- 
den changes. In giving this, I have to request, as I did on 
another occasion, to be excused for using the personal pronoun 
too often. Previous to 1831, I was on the school committee 
for three years, chosen in 1828. In 1830, the committee 
consisted of five, viz. : Dr. Ezekiel Thaxter, Benjamin Ilobart, 
Elihu Hobart, Micah Pool, Esq., and Josiah Holbrook. For 
the examination of school teachers, and the giving of certifi- 
cates for qualification, a sub-committee was chosen of two 
(Dr. Ezekiel Thaxter and Benjamin Ilobart). In visiting 



SCHOOLS. 35 

schools, establishing rules, &c., all took a part. These ser- 
vices took up so much of my time, that I made up my mind 
to decline as a candidate in 1831 ; but in going to the annual 
meeting, in that year, I had some doubts whether I ought to 
do so. I reflected that I had served only three years, and 
had got some experience in the business, and somebody must 
do it. I concluded, on the whole, if elected, to serve another 
year. At that town meeting a committee, consisting of one 
from each school district, Avas chosen to nominate a school 
committee. They met and did so in the early part of the 
day. I think the same school committee that served in 1830 
was selected. This nomination was accepted, but the law 
required that the school committee should be chosen by 
ballot, and a few votes only Avere required to complete the 
election. It so happened, however, that this was not done im- 
mediately, (some other election was going on,) and it was over- 
looked, and not called up until near ihe close of the meeting, 
wlien many had left. The Moderator then called the attention 
of the voters present to confirming tlie nomination. Twenty 
or thirty votes were cast, and the nomination was not con- 
firmed, but another and a different choice was made of clergy- 
men, viz. : Rev. Daniel Thomas, Rev. Lucius Alden, and 
Rev. Silas Hall. Mr. Thomas declined, and Capt. D. A. 
Ford, at another meeting, was chosen to fill the vacancy. 
The next year (1832) three clergymen were chosen, (Rev. 
M. G. Wheeler, instead of Capt. Ford,) and the clergy had 
the whole care and superintendence of the schools for sixteen 
years, from 1831 to 1846 inclusive, (being three in each 
year,) except the year (1831) in which Capt. Ford served. 
In 1847 the school committee was composed entirely of 
laymen, and ever since then, up to 1859, (thirteen years,) 
with the exception of two years, (1852 and 1854, when the 
clergy had a majority,) wholly by the laity, or a majority of 
them. 

This move was a violation of confidence ; stealing a march, 
as a politician Avould say, and was from sectarian influence, 
which, with other changes from partizan views, has had a 



36 SCHOOLS. 

very bad effect in the management of our schools. Some of 
the clei'ical gentlemen were too strenuous on some points ; 
they were not satisfied to have the superintendence, of tlie 
schools, but undertook to carry measures in town meeting, 
which were not satisfactory to the town, and never could be 
carried out. They urged very strenuously the location of the 
high school in the centre of the town (Centre Abington). 
This question agitated the town for several years. The 
experiment was tried for one or two years, and the high 
school was kept in the centre, and it proved a failure ; the 
extreme parts of the town did not send their children. After- 
wards it was kept alternately in different sections of the town, 
until the town adopted the present plan of having four high 
schools in different parts of the town, in connection with the 
four grammar schools. Four very commodious buildings 
have been erected, and teachers are employed in the gram- 
mar schools, who are qualified to teach the higher branches 
of education required by law. This has proved very satisfac- 
tory ; carrying the schools to the scholars, and equalizing the 
advantages of schooling to all parts of the town. 



CHAPTER VI. 

Schools. — Continued. 

In 1857 there was another flare-up in the election of a 
school committee. At the annual town meeting of that year, 
held March 9tli, five were chosen, viz. : Dr. F. F. Forsaith, 
Rev. Isaac C. "White, Rev. Horace D. Walker, Rev. Varnum 
Lincoln, and Rev. Wm. P. Everett. This meeting was ad- 
journed to the sixteenth day of the same month. At this 
meeting, as Rev. William P. Everett declined, there was a 
vacancy of one which was to be filled. In addition to this, 
there was a vote to add four more to the number of the school 
committee. This vote Avas surreptitiously obtained. It was 
noon, and a great proportion of the voters had left for dinner. 
The selectmen were busily engaged in counting votes for can- 
didates to fill vacancies ; at this time the vote to add four was 
carried, and there were but a very few voters in the house. 
Ballots were immediately called for, and when voters came 
in to attend to the afternoon's business, they were surprised to 
find ballots being carried in to add to the school committee, 
the number of which was supposed to be settled. They re- 
fused to vote only to fill the vacancy ; when Rev. Joseph 
Pettee was chosen, having one hundred votes. No candidates 
to add to the school committee were thought of, and no ballots 
were prepared. The small number of votes carried in shows 
that this was a secret move. They stood thus : Dr. James M. 
Underwood had fifteen votes. Dr. Asa Millet eleven, William E. 
Sheldon twelve, and three others had ten each, and there were 
twenty-two others voted for ; three had eight votes, one four, 
and all the rest three and under. The three first named were 
chosen, and there was no choice of the fourth. A motion was 
immediately made to reconsider the vote to add to the school 
committee, so far as respected the one not chosen, which was 
4 (37) 



38 SCHOOLS. 

done by an overwhelming majority. This move excited 
strong expressions of dislike to the proceedings, and there was 
much confusion. This addition created ill feeling in other 
parts of the town, as the school committee was not equally 
divided, and three or four more were proposed to be added. 
In consequence of these expressions of dislike, and the small 
number of votes carried in for the candidates chosen, four of 
the school committee resigned, — two at the first meeting, viz. : 
Rev. Mr. Walker and Rev. Mr. Lincoln, and the two added as 
above. Dr. Millet and Mr. Sheldon ; leaving four only as 
chosen. This meeting was adjourned to the twenty-third of 
the same month, and two more were voted to be added to 
the school committee, making the whole number ten. Six 
remained to be chosen, and as it appeared impossible to choose 
them on one ticket without previous concert, a committee of 
seven was raised, to retire and make a nomination. They 
reported two of those who had resigned, viz. : Rev. H. D. 
Walker, Dr. Asa Millet, and four others — Messrs. Horace 
Reed, Reuben Loud, J. N. Noyes, and Ell)ridge Sprague ; and 
they were chosen, and stand as they are now reported on the 
list of the school committee for 1857. It may be remarked 
here, as quite singular, that the candidates nominated by a 
committee in 1831, Avere rejected, and that the town in 1857 
should, twenty-six years after, adopt the same mode to facilitate 
the election of a school committee. 

Now the inquiry naturally arises, why did all this disorder 
and confusion take place at this time ? In order to answer this 
it will be necessary to state that there was an article in the 
warrant for the town meeting for that year, to see if the town 
would build a school-house in East Abington, of sufficient 
dimensions, as it was avowed, to accommodate three or four 
hundred scholars, " for the grammar and intermediate schools." 
The project was to authorize the school committee to build 
such a house ; but as the school committee already chosen 
was composed of five only, and four of these were clergymen, 
more laymen were wanted for this purpose, so as to relieve 
the clergy of the responsibility of undertaking so much out of 



SCHOOLS. 39 

their line. The movement to add to the school committee 
■\vliich caused the disorders above stated, originated in the 
desire to accomplish this. The meeting was adjourned twice, 
and there was much altercation on these subjects, especially 
in consequence of the vote so surreptitiously obtained, to add 
to the school committee. This caused much discussion, and 
many angry feelings. The result of the whole was the rejec- 
tion of the proposition to build a school-house in East Abing- 
ton. 

But this rejection was not satisfactory ; and as the school 
committee was now suitably organized, another town meeting 
was called, to meet as soon as it could, legally, and which was 
held on the thirteenth day of April following ; and an article 
of the same tenor was inserted, which was " To see if the 
town would build a school-house at East Abington ; " and in 
addition an article in the same warrant was inserted, " To see 
if the town would build a school-house in the centre of the 
town for the high school." A coalition among many of the 
favorers of these objects Avas calculated upon ; but after much 
discussion, and the rejection of a motion to refer the building 
to the school committee (according to the old plan), both 
objects failed. Two or three other town meetings, in a few 
weeks after, were called for the same purpose, with a like 
result as respects the school-house at East Abington. The 
centre school-house was abandoned, after the lirst defeat. 
About a year after these meetings, the town built a school- 
house in East Abington on a dilFerent plan from the first one 
proposed, but a very commodious house, at an expense of over 
five thousand dollars. 

These proceedings have had a depressing effect upon our 
schools, and no good results have arisen from them. Their 
tendency has been to lower the tone of our schools. Num- 
bers of the scholars in our high schools have left and 
gone elsewhere, to complete their education, or to fit for col- 
lege. And here, while speaking of things to be regi'etted, 
I will add that there is much complaint of a want of order 
in the schools. Kegulations are too often changed, and 



40 SCHOOLS. 

in many instances disregard eel, and some of them are very 
trivial. There is a falUng off in the qualifications of many of 
the teachers. Very young persons have been employed, who 
never taught school before. There is, indeed, some excuse 
for the teachers ; they have not been properly aided in their 
exertions. They are frequently placed in very unpleasant 
situations between the parents of some of the children and the 
school committee. The schools ai'e often interrupted by the 
complaints of parents that their children are not well treated 
and not properly taught, and language of reproach is some- 
times used before the whole school, to the mortification of the 
teachers and to the loss of their use. On the other hand, there 
is much complaint that they have not been supported by the 
school committee, who seem to be afraid to meet such 
invasions of the schools, or at least do not prevent them. 
Teachers have been removed without any adequate cause, and 
some without assigning any reason. It is a conceded fact that 
the schools of late are not of that high order and under that 
discipline that they were a few years since, when the school 
committees were of higher qualifications as to independence 
and education. 

But besides irregularities arising in the selection of school 
committees and the management of the schools, there are 
other influences f|,dverse to the success of the schools. Many 
view the whole system as arbitrary. The breaking up of the 
school districts is objected to ; and it is but about two years 
since, that, after the town had abolished them and had expen- 
ded about thirty thousand dollars in building new school- 
houses and purchasing old ones, a vote was obtained to go back 
to the district system again. The chairman of the present 
school committee strenuously supported this move ; but before 
it was carried into operation it was reconsidered by a very 
large majority. To be compelled to keep a high school to 
teach the Latin and Greek languages, is considered by some 
to be highly objectionable; and to be required to choose school 
committees for three years, is very unsatisfactory to many. 
Now, it is notorious that many of these objectors do not 



SCHOOLS. 41 

cooperate to build up the schools, but act as a dead weight 
in most of the attempts to cany out and improve the system. 
It is injudicious, however, to let such feelings prevail. The 
law has gone into operation and the system is established, and 
there is no probability that the law will be repealed ; it may 
be modified and improved. On this view of the subject it 
seems to be the duty of all to carry it out in the best way 
possible. There is a very great responsibility resting upon 
the inhabitants of the town in this respect. There are nearly 
two thousand children in town to be educated and trained up 
for usefulness. Seven to eight thousand dollars have been 
raised annually for a number of years for schooling. How 
important, then, is it for all to unite and cooperate in sus- 
taining and improving our schools, and not to let sectarian, 
political, or sectional views prevail to divert us from our 
responsible duties. 

But, after all, and notwithstanding this, in some respects 
our schools have improved, and the means of education have 
been very much increased ; yet it is well to state these things, 
that they may be corrected, and further improvements made. 
In contrasting the schools of the present day with those of 
former times, we see very great improvements. This is not 
all owing to our superior exertions, but much is due to the 
increase of our population and wealth. By the table in the 
preceding chapter, it is seen how feeble was the support of 
schools, until within about twenty years past. Previous to this, 
everything was on a low scale as to schooling. Little money 
was raised, school-houses were small, cold and illy constructed, 
and teachers were of very low qualifications. When I at- 
tended school in my boyhood, English grammar was not 
introduced ; and I was surprised, when I left to go to an 
academy (the Derby Academy at Iliugham), to learn, for the 
first time, that there was such a thing as English grammar. 
There were uo school committees to aid the schools, and the 
school books were very defective, and but few of them. I 
remember very well when AYebster's spelling-book Avas first 
introduced, and used instead of Dilworth's. Its introduction 
4* 



42 SCHOOLS. 

scemel to commence a new era; and no doubt this was the 
case afterwards, as new books were added from time to time. 

There are other things that were injurious to our schools 
formerly, and are still so ; that is, the want of order and 
morals in the schools. Scholars frequently come late, and 
enter the schools after they have commenced. Their attend- 
ance is very irregular, and they oftentimes lea\e by the per- 
mission of their parents before the school closes ; and, at 
times, large scholars are insulting to their teachers — especially 
to female teachers ; refuse obedience, and are obstinate. When 
I had children to send to our common schools, after a few 
years' trial I abandoned them. The schools were miserable, 
and the morals worse. I had a boy come home from school 
swearing profanely. I said to him, " Why, my little son, 
do you do so ; you never did so before ? " He answered, 

" Sam learnt me to do so, and told me it was pretty." 

And, also, I had a daughter about ten years old, who came 
home from school deeply distressed, naming certain boys who 
talked to her in a most obscene manner, and asked her most 
abominable questions. We had an able teacher, (Mr. Beaman,) 
who kept our school one winter about that time, who said he 
would not send his children to such a school if he kept it him- 
self. After this I never sent my children, with a few excep- 
tions, to the town district school, but maintained a private 
school for thciui, with a few other children sent by my neigh- 
bors, for about ten years. After that, all of them (nine in 
number, and who ai"e now living,) were educated at private 
schools, and out of town at different schools and academies. 
The expense of all this, I estimated, exceeded four thousand 
five hundred dollars (five hundred dollars each). Now, if our 
schools then had been what they now are (or might be), this 
outlay might have been kept at home ; and this ought to be 
the case for the present rising generation, and would be if all 
would cooperate to build up and improve our schools, and 
abandon all extraneous views. 

There are now questions in the management of the schools 
unsettled. I refer to religious exercises. The present school 



I 



SCHOOLS. 43 

committee, besides having the Scriptm-es read, as provided 
for by the statute, have ruled that the Lord's Prayer, as it is 
designated, may be used to open the schools in school hours ; 
prohibiting other prayers. Without going into a formal discus- 
sion of this subject, I must say I think the committee, in this 
case, have adopted the best course. Under this rule the Lord 
is acknowledged, and His Divine authority, and the form of 
prayer which He prescribed is used. This exercise is short 
and comprehensive, and is not fatiguing to the children, and 
no sectarian party can complain of it. If others wish it, they 
can send and have religious services before school hours. To 
adopt any other course would be attended with many difficul- 
ties. The time detached from school hours Avould be a serious 
objection to many. It would have a tendency to introduce 
sectarian views. Different teachers would use different forms 
of prayer, and very different expressions, such as would be in 
agreement with their different creeds. In this way different 
doctrines might be promoted, and the sects might become jeal- 
ous of each other, and school committees might be chosen to 
employ teachers of certain religious sentiments. 

After all, one of the greatest drawbacks to our schools is 
the indifference of parents to their success. They do not 
cooperate with teachers and school committees as they ought. 
In many instances they take sides with the misconduct of their 
children, and before them speak reproachfully of their teach- 
ers. Some parents and others have even entered the schools, 
and reproached them in the presence of their scholars. More- 
over, they do not attend examinations as they should ; neither 
do they see that their children are early and constantly at 
school. But the greatest obstacle to the success of our schools 
is the want of family government at home. If children are 
not subject to discipline and order at home, they will not be 
so at school. It is one of the worst signs of the times, that 
family government is at so low an ebb. If this is disregarded, 
all exertions in society to mend the morals are greatly im- 
peded. When the Lord is not acknowledged nor worsiiipped 
in families, what are we to expect from children of such 



44 SCHOOLS. 

families ? Family government, family order, family morals, 
and family worship, lay the sure foundation of a well-ordered 
community ; for without these our schools will be in vain, and 
our churches cannot be built up ; and crime and social disor- • 
ders will be likely to abound. 

A great aid in the advancement of our schools would be the 
judicious selection of our school committees. This is of more 
importance than it is generally viewed. If the school com- 
mittees are chosen from sectarian and partisan views, others 
will complain of it before their children, and this will excite 
their prejudices against such committees, and their qualifica- 
tions will be scrutinized ; and if, as frequently happens, some 
of them, perhaps all of them, are less qualified to examine 
the schools than some of the scholars are themselves, they 
feel no respect for them, and care but little for Avhat they say, 
or their rules. On all our school committees there ought, at 
least, to be one or two well qualified to examine teachers, and 
to visit and examine the schools. Let them be designated by 
the town or by the school committee themselves, and let the 
others of the school committee be as a council to them, to 
advise upon books, rules, order and discipline of the schools ; 
to receive no pay for school examinations, but only for their 
meeting occasionally with what may be called the examining 
committee. The pay of the examining portion of the commit- 
tee might be such as to induce them to give more attention to 
the schools, keep the run of them, and make the report, and, 
at the same time, cost the town a less sum annually. In such 
a case the school committee might consist of a larger number. 
It seems to be unwise to pay all the members of a school 
committee that do not take any efficient part in the examina- 
tion of teachers and schools. A board like this, with such an 
examining committee, would be more independent, and their 
decisions, rules and orders would be quoted with more force 
and effect. 



By request, the School Committee of Abington have fur- 
nished me the following list of scholars and teachers of the 
public schools. 

Names and Ages of Scholars in Abington ^ 1864-5. 



CENTRE HIGH AND GRAMMAR. 



Benjamin E. Norton .... 17 

Joshua H. Nash 16 

Ellis B. Noyes 15 

William Pettee 17 

Bela H. B. Smith 15 

William T. Soule 13 

Charles B. Shaw 14 

E. Eldon Gurney 15 

Bela T. Whitmarsh .... 15 

Charles Floyd IG 

Austin Vaughn 12 

Clitfbrd W. Reed 14 

Edward Noyes 14 

Louis Smith 16 

Sidney Additon 17 

George F. Badger .... 15 

Maltiah Holt 15 

Herbert Beat 10 

Walter B. Nash 10 

Albert Reed 14 

George Warren 13 

Philip P. Trufant 14 

Michael Donoghue .... 14 

Henry Smith 12 

Howard Pearson 14 

Clarence Nash 14 

Herbert Morris 14 

James O'Donnell 10 

Wallace Ryerson 13 

George Nash 13 

Henry Colson 13 

Franklin Merritt 13 

William Keon 12 

Patrick Jackson 13 

Elmer Hunt 13 

Franklin Hathaway . . . .15 

Charles Hatch 14 

Timothy Donoghue .... 16 

Thomas Coughlin 13 

Wilham Donoghue .... 13 



M.Ella Reed 18 

Abbie F. Soule 17 

Mary Underhay 17 

Ella Gushing 17 

Hannah K. Talbot .... 18 

Helen Morris 18 

Lucy Hunt 17 

Cornelia G. Harris .... 17 

Florence L. Reed 14 

Susan E. Trufant .... 16 

Eldora M. Soule 14 

Lizzie Reed 17 

Lina Gushing 16 

Lottie E. Noyes 14 

Hattie W. Brown 16 

R. Ella Whitmarsh .... 13 
Sarah E. Winslow .... 17 
Hattie J. Whitmarsh ... 14 
Nellie Whitmarsh .... 16 

Susie C. Cushing 15 

Alsie Reed 14 

Mary E. Ferris 13 

Henrietta B. Pratt .... 15 

Alice A. Giles 12 

Ella M. Noyes 13 

Etta Cushing 13 

Elva M. Thompson .... 16 

Alice A. Tirrell 19 

Nancy Hathaway 14 

Ida F. Hunt 14 

Lizzie. Packard 14 

Abbie Poole 13 

Addie Nash 14 

Lucy Reed 14 

Maria Whitmarsh .... 12 

Ellen Churchill 12 

Ella Wilkes 12 

Abbie E. Noyes 12 

Carrie Harris 13 

Velma Faunce 13 



(45) 



46 



SCHOOLS. 



Flora Easterbrook 
Delia Coughlin 
Delia Cunningham 
Lizzie E. Soule 
Henrietta T. King 
Emma Reynolds . 
Isabella M. Shaw . 
Rosetta Trufant . 
Nellie Ballou . . 
Ida Harding . . 



Age. 

Esther Eamsdell 13 

Esmerelda Keene 13 

Sarah Thompson 15 

Emma Thompson 14 

Ida Holt 13 

ilary Ann Moran 13 

Bridget Rourke 13 

Annie Rourke 13 

Mary Rourke 12 

Whole number ... 99 



George L. Richardson, Principal. 
S. Addie Studley, Assistant. 



CENTRE INTERMEDIATE. 



Eddie F. Dunham 
Az Reed .... 
Christopher Ballard 
Charles A. Whitmarsh 
Elliot Brown . 
Edgar Tyler . 
Frank W. Nash 
George M. Nash 
Granville EwoU 
George C. Willey 
Henry L. Shaw 
Henry C. Locke 
Herbert W. Locke 
Irving P. Nash 
James Callaghan 
Joseph Andrews 
Jacob B. Cobb . 
Josiah T. King 
Joseph H'ant 
John O'Brien . 
James H. Thorpe 
O. Chester Willey 
Patrick Smith . 
Quincy Additon 
Richard H. Cobb 
William Andrews 
William W. Nash 
Willard E. Loud . 
George W. Glover 
Adoniram B. Vaugl^m 
Daniel H. Pratt . 
Freddy C. Gilbert 
Herbert B. Foster 



Age. 
13 

10 

u 

10 

11 

13 
12 
9 
13 
12 
12 
12 
12 
11 
12 
10 
12 
11 
11 
11 
15 
10 
11 
13 
10 
12 
14 
12 
13 
11 
10 
12 
11 



Age. 



Frank E. Shaw 








. . 8 


Frank M. Glover 








. . 8 


James I. Merritt 








. . 10 


Walter Keene . 








. . 11 


Frank Leonard 








. . 9 


Charles Atwood 








. . 10 


Anna L. Giles . 








. . 9 


Anna L. Packard 








. . 11 


Anna M. Nash . 








. . 11 


Anna M. Floyd 








. . 9 


Alice L. Shaw . 








. . 10 


Ella F. Ramsdell 








. 10 


Ella I. Nash . 








. 9 


Emma A. Nash 








. 8 


Elizabeth Ballard 








. 10 


Georgietta Nash 








. 11 


Ilattie A. Ferris 








. 11 


Hattie A. Farrar 








. 9 


Hattie C. Lean 








. 10 


Hattie E. Cook . 








. 11 


Ida M. Varney . 








. 10 


Isabel Dewine . . 








. 13 


Lizzie A. Reynolds 








. 8 


Mary E. Morse 








. 11 


Marietta Dyer . . 








. 11 


Melissa Additon . 








. 11 


Mary A. Blood . 








. 12 


Margaret Ljmn 








. 12 


Mary E. Orcut . . 








. 14 


Sarah M. Dunham . 






. 8 


Sarah F. JNIarchant . 






. 9 


Sarah A. King . . . 






. 11 


Sharlie Ettie Reed 


. 






. 10 



SCHOOLS. 



47 



■Age. 

Hattie E. Murray 11 

Flora A. Varney 12 

Luella 11. Ewell 9 



Age. 

Lillian Brown 8 

Lizzie Underhay 9 

Whole number ... 71 

Elizabeth B. Nash, Teacher. 



WASHINGTON STREET SOUTH INTERMEDIATE. 



Age. 

Joseph Gonilay 11 

Erederick King 10 

James McCraith 12 

Edw. McCraith 11 

Hues Gilson 9 

Benj. Smith 10 

Matthew Smith 11 

Lawrence Andrews .... 15 

Tiiomas Loud 11 

W:lliam Crowley 10 

William Slattery 8 

Ciiarlcs Jackson 11 

Prank Brown 9 

Frank Morris 8 

George Nash 8 

Charles Ramsdell 9 

Horace Bobbins 8 

Joseph Frances 11 

John Reed 10 

John Smith 10 

John Sheehan 9 

Patrick Smith 12 

Joel Edson 13 

N. G. Humble 10 

John Gallagher 10 

Timothy O'Connor . . . .11 

Mary Driscol 13 

Ellen Shields 12 

Clara Orcutt 12 

Cleora Orcutt 12 



Age. 

Susie Harris 9 

Gracie Hunt 9 

Bridget Craig 8 

Julia O'Brien 10 

Mary J. O'Brien 8 

MaryHyland 10 

Mary McNally 12 

Jane McNally H 

Alice Churchill 10 

Idella Churchill 8 

Matilda Chase 8 

AHce Nash 7 

Lizzie Bobbins 9 

Anna Callaghan 8 

Mary Smith 8 

Angeline Smith 7 

Emily Uewine 10 

Mary Hickey 9 

Ella Tyler 11 

Mabel Gifford 8 

Mary Crowley 8 

Mary Murphy 11 

Jane Murphy 9 

Mary Sheehan 8 

Mary O'Brien 9 

Johanna O'Connell .... 9 

Hannah Murphy 7 

Johanna O'Connell (2d) . . 10 

Mary Snow 9 

I Whole number ... 59 

Pamelia W. Conant, Teacher. 



CENTRE PRIMARY. 



Age. 

Charlie W. Hunt 8 

Charlie Barnes 10 

Charlie C. Merritt .... 6 
Granville R. Farrar .... 7 



Elisha Faxon . . . 
Webster Faxon . . 
Josie H. Leonard . . 
A. Wilbcr Whitmarsh 



Age. 



48 



SCHOOLS. 



Age. 

Wilhe H. Hyslop 8 

Charlie Gushing 8 

Ira M. Noyes 8 

Everett Hatch G 

George C. Loud 9 

Charles S. Cook 9 

Clifford E. Nash 7 

Edgar Willey G 

Alfred M. Norton 5 

Melvin S. Nash . . . ... 6 

Albert T. Atwnod 5 

Erank B. Whitmarsh ... 4 

Harry Gushing 6 

Charles Holbrook 4 

Josie D. Gilbert G 

Irving G. Willey 4 

G. Erunk Pearson .... 4 

Chester Eoster 7 

George Goelis 9 

Josie E. Smith 5 

Eva B. Cobb 7 

Nettie Wheeler 9 

Hannah Coughlen .... 9 

Emma Willey 7 



Abbie G. Marchant 
Mary P. Cobb . 
Etta A. Rose . 
Anna H. Brown 
Lillie E. Morse 
Nellie F. Hunt . 
Luoy G. Noyes 
Nellie Brown . 
Martha T. Gary 
Mary E. Noyes 
Mary Shaw . 
Lizzie C. Keene 
Nellie D. Noyes 
Etta Cobb . . 
Helen E. Gary . 
Carrie O. Nash . 
Florence Whitmar 
Cora Foster 
Helena Kimball 
Lottie Gunnet . 
Ida E. Ewell . 
Susan L. Ewell 
Mary E. Dunham 
Lizzie A. Dunham 
Whole number 



sh 



Age. 
. 7 

. 7 



7 
6 
8 
5 

11 
6 
5 
6 
6 
4 
6 
4 
5 
5 
6 
8 

12 
8 
G 
5 



56 



Betsey F. Robbins, Teacher. 



WASHINGTON STREET NORTH PRIMARY 



Age. 

Henry Floyd G 

Freddy Straffin 5 

Frank Locke 7 

Fr;:nk Winslow 6 

Charles Towle 7 

Oluey Jacobs 7 

Henry Davis G 

Eliot Nash 9 

Josie Leonard 7 

Frank Leonard 8 

Albert Gushing 6 

Herbert Tanner 9 

Henry Meserve 10 

Charles Merrill 10 

Charles Cobb 8 

Benj. Gilbert 12 

James Rourke 9 

Thomas Rourke 7 

Thomas Donoghue .... 10 

Henry Donoghue 6 

Frank Gilbride 8 



Age, 

James Malheren 10 

Charles Malheren .... 7 

Frank Smith 10 

Cornelius Flavin 5 

John McCue 8 

Willie Coughlan 6 

Henry Connors 14 

John Hayes 8 

James Connors 13 

James Jackson G 

Thomas Hilkanian .... 5 

John McCuUer 8 

Willie Hane 4 

Geo. Flanigan 7 

Eddie Flanigan 5 

Josie Smith 6 

Thomas Cavenly 6 

Isabel Nash 8 

Agnes Nash 6 

Minnie Nash 4 



SCHOOLS. 



49 



Age. 

Hattie Nash 6 

Estella Damon 7 

Alice Damon G 

Isabel Osgood 7 

Marian Osgood 5 

Jessie Floyd 7 

Lucy Winslow 8 

Nellie Varney 8 

Lizzie Varney 5 

Mary E. Lean 5 

Jennie Meserve 6 

Ella Talbert 10 

Hattie Davis 9 

Rose Roclietbrt 7 



Age. 
Catherine Jackson .... 10 

Mary Ilane 7 

Ellen Donoghue 7 

Mary Donoghue 4: 

Mary McCue 6 

Ellen Ilaynes 5 

Maria Rourke '8 

Mary McCabe 8 

Eliza McCabe 6 

Mary Gilbride 9 

Mary Henny 5 

Maggie Cavenly 4: 

Lizzie Moran 9 

Whole number . . . .68 
Lydia F. Reed, Teacher. 



WASHINGTON STREET SOUTH PRIMARY. 



Age. 

Jerry O'Conners 7 

Eddie Conway 8 

Clifford Ramsdell 5 

Billy IlyLind 4 

Cyrus B. Murray G 

Charles A. Browne .... 6 

Michael Hyland 8 

Henry F. I3arry 6 

Charles F. Smith 6 

James Conway 5 

James O'Brien 5 

John Gilson 6 

Timothy Frances 6 

Patrick Hyland 5 

Stephen Tyler 7 

Millard Beal 6 

John Holbrook 5 

Fred Ramsdell 7 

James Dewine 6 

Thomas O'Conners .... 5 

Thomas Craig 6 

John Dooling 5 

Thomas Murphy 6 

Patrick Murphy 8 

Hannah DriscoU 10 

Mary L. Gomley 6 

Lucy M. Orcutt 7 

5 



Age. 

Mary L. Sears 6 

Hannah Conway 5 

Mercy Walker 7 

Margaret Gallager .... 7 

Alice O'Brien 8 

Mary E. Colson 6 

Jennie Stevens 8 

Ellen Taylor 8 

Mary A. Hayes 8 

Nancy C. Beal 5 

Gertrude Orcutt 4 

Sarah Gomley 5 

Katie Hickey 7 

Catherine O'Brien .... 5 

Ellen Lucej'' 7 

Eliza McNally 6 

Lizzie Gilson 4 

Bridget Shcehau 5 

Katie DriscoU G 

Mary E. Callaghan .... 5 

Lizzie Smith , 5 

Mary Frances 8 

Sarah Devine 5 

Ella M. Walker 6 

Maggie DriscoU 3 

Maggie Murphy 4 

Whole number ... 53 

Abbie a. Reed, Teacher. 



50 



SCHOOLS. 



ASHLAND STREET MIXED. 



Age. 

Frederic Leavitt 12 

Charles Doten 11 

Samuel Hutcliinson .... 9 

George W. Shaw 9 

Charles R. Cox 7 

Clifford Hunt 7 

Stephen Leavitt 10 

Eugene Beal 8 

Roscoe Huchinson .... 7 
Joseph W. Collins .... 6 

Frank Wentwortli 6 

Willie Leavitt 6 

David Doten 9 

Herbert Collins 4 

Henry Beal 4 

Burton Wentworth .... 4 
Eoscoe Cliilds 12 



Age. 

Harry Hunt 3 

George Higgins 11 

Frank Higgins 9 

Eugene Higgins 7 

Granville Higgins 5 

Anna Leavitt 14 

Fannie S. King 10 

Anna L. Noyes 8 

Mary Stickney 10 

Ida M. Porter 7 

Minnie Hunt 5 

Martha FuUerton 9 

Hattie Trufant 5 

Lottie A. Beal 9 

Angle Cox 5 

Whole number ... 32 
Alice M. Eatmond, Teacher 



NORTH ABINGTON HIGH SCHOOL. 



Age. 

Dean Blanchard 10 

Alonzo Meserve 20 

Frank Tanner 19 

Andrew Ford 14 

Bcnj. F. Badger 16 

Clarence L. Wheeler .... 12 

Frank Shaw 13 

Samuel Garde 14 

Wallace Adams 13 

George Wade 13 

Edw. AV. Shaw 13 

Merrill Blanchard 11 

David F. Powars 13 

Eddie Wales 13 

Charles Smith ...... 13 

Charles Meserve 13 

Herbert Raymond 16 

Charles Raymond 14 

Simmie Wales 17 

George Elliot Adams ... 17 
Edwin Dcnham 19 



Ella L. Wales . . 
Sarah W. Reed . 
Sarah J. McKenney 



Josie Cleverly . 
Mary V. Whitman 
Emma E. Wheeler 
Mary F. Cleverly 
Sarah H. Stewart 
Ella A. Whitmarsh 
Susan M. Lincoln 
Hattie Wade . 
Rosella Brown . 
Helen D. Bates 
Loenza Bowen . 
Lilian R. Blanchard 
Hattie L. Wales 
Anna E. Arnold 
Irene S. Denham 
Emma A. Randall 
Alice A. Beal . 
Gcorgie Tanner 
Mary E. IMaconney 
Maria A. Arnold 
Lizzie Merrill . 
Anna B. Smith 
Georgie Merrill 
Lizzie Townsend 
Georgie Tirrell 



Age. 
. 16 
. 15 
. 14 
. IG 
. 13 
. 17 
. 15 
. 16 
. 14 
. 13 
. 14 
. 14 
. 12 
. 13 
. 13 
. 12 
. 12 
. 12 
. 13 
. 12 
. 16 
. 15 
. 14 
. 15 
. 14 



SCHOOLS. 



51 



Augusta Chamberlain 
Enna Hunt . . . 
Ella Terry . . . 
Katie P. Maconney 
Lurana Ford . . 
Fannie M. Cleverly 
Eliza Glasure . . 



Acte. 
15 
14 
15 
15 
19 
1-1 
13 



Age. 

Ella Shaw Ifi 

Ellen Arnold 15 

Alice J. Randall 14 

Abby Poole 14 

Dela E. Brown 14 

Katie Badger 14 

"Whole number . . . G2 
jAMiiS 11. Gleason, Teacher. 



ADAMS STREET INTERMEDIATE. 



Age. 

Edward Shaw 15 

Lovell Smith 10 

Charles Vesper 12 

Harry Reed 10 

Henry Mansfield 12 

La Forrest Wheeler .... 10 

James Higgins 11 

Tiiomas IMurphy 12 

Richard Quinland 10 

George Crossfield 11 

George Somers 12 

Horace Chamberlain . . . .11 

Willie Hollis 13 

Henry Arnold 10 

George W. Randall . . . ,11 

Frank Tribou 12 

Wilson Terry 13 

Louis Pratt 10 

John Mansfield 13 

Frank Randall 10 

Frank Smith 11 

Charles Dunham 11 

John Blaney 13 

Nahum Allin 14 

Elwyn Orcutt 10 

Clarice Loud 10 

Susie Shaw 13 



Alice Cleverly . 
Isabella Cleverly 
Tryphosa Beal . 
Alice Sewall 
Sarah Wales 
Georgiana Baker 
Margerette Kennelly 
Mary Thompson 
Sarah Batt . . 
Georgiana Ford 
Angie Brown 
Ida Gowell . 
Addie Stewart 
Lucinda Loftis 
Mary Agnew 
Mary O'Neil 
Katy Quinland 
Bridget Lahey 
Ida Tcbbitts . 
Flora Shaw . 
Marion Cloud 
Emma Maxwell 
Etta Raymond 
Ellen Lynch 
Marion Johnson 
Whole number 



Age. 
11 
10 
12 
11 
10 
12 
13 
11 
10 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
11 
13 

y 

9 

11 

13 
9 
11 
10 
13 
12 



52 



EMILY E. ALLIN, Teacher. 



HANCOCK STREET INTERMEDIATE. 

Asc. 



Everett Wales 11 

Edwin B. Holmes 11 

Elbert Ridlington 12 

Frank Poole 12 

John Hunt 10 

George Sumner 8 





Age. 


Francis C. Orcutt . . . 


. . 10 


Elwyn Orcutt . . . . 


. . 10 


Thomas JMeighan . . . 


. . 13 


Daniel Quinlan . . . 


. . 13 


Ellis Poole 


. .'U 


Patrick Dougherty . . 


. . 11 



52 



SCHOOLS. 



Hervey Dunham 
Ellis Packard . 
George F. Poole 
Andrew J. Orcutt 
Solomon Ford . 
Henry McPherson 
Edward Beckley 
Henry Somes . 
Charles Nason . 
Lucius R. Hunt 
Frank Edson . 

Sarah W. Dunham 
Angle O'Brien . . 



Age. 
11 
15 
12 
12 
12 
15 
14 
8 
12 
14 
12 

9 
9 



Age, 

Ella S. Eversou 13 

Mary B. Soule 9 

Deborah Eeed 12 

Ida C. Holt 12 

Julia A. Orcutt 14 

Elan Daniels ...... 12 

Mary Poole 8 

Martha Everson 10 

Hattie Ford 9 

Lucy Hunt 11 

Eliza Hunt 13 

Eliza Davis 13 

Susan E. Matthews .... 15 

Whole number ... 38 

Susan H. Arnold, Teacher. 



HANCOCK STEEET PRIMARY. 



Age. 

Richard H. Badger .... 4 

John Doherty 8 

Arthur Doherty 6 

"William Dermont 3 

Daniel Lucie 3 

Austin Damon 9 

Lester Blanchard 8 

Willie S. O'Brine 7 

Charles Edson 9 

Asa McPherson 8 

Clifford Ford 7 

George W. Orcutt .... 5 

Eddie Tirrell 6 

Willie Tirrell G 

Herbert Tirrell 4 

Henry Dermont 6 

Henry Badger 5 

Bradford Poole 4 

Willie Russel 7 

Johnny Herlily 8 

Willie Herlily 6 



Age. 

Henry Herlily 4 

Edward Hunt 4 

George Damon 4 

Henry Edson 4 

Katy Russel H 

Sarah Hayden 10 

Susan Orcutt 9 

Hattie Edson 6 

Blartha Soule 5 

Nettie Wade 7 

Cora Lufkin 6 

Fannie Badger 6 

Mary A. Dermont 4 

Mary Driscol 12 

Bridget Sulivan 5 

Mary A. Lucie 3 

Maggie Gorman 3 

Katie Dougherty 5 

Mary Conarty 3 

Whole number ... 40 
Matilda S. Robbins, Teacher. 



LINCOLN STREET PRIMARY. 



Age. 

Elliott Denham 8 

Walter Daniels 10 

Alonzo Mitchell 13 

John Quinlaa 10 



Alvin Bates .... 
Walton Bates . . . 
Charles Daniels . . 
George F. Macconney 



Age. 
. 8 



SCHOOLS. 



53 



Age. 

Patrick Manley 9 

Nathaniel Judkins .... 9 

Alfred Shaw 11 

AVillie Shaw 9 

Everett Shaw 9 

Frederic Tribou 8 

George Townsend .... 7 

Frank Bates 6 

Charlie Crossfield 6 

Oyso Ford 8 

Ellis Eaymond 7 

John Mollis 8 

Leslie Clark 7 

Alfonso Judkins 6 

Charles Keene 5 

John Buckley 6 

John Lincoln 6 

Willie Fish 4 

Daniel White 5 

Galen Allen 5 

Charlie Cooke 6 

Clinton Shaw 4 

Ethan Allen 9 

Frank E. Hobart 5 

Chailes Hobart 4 

Charles Randall 7 

Oran Mackins 9 

Herbert Glaizure 7 

Fred Cook 9 



Age. 

Josephine Randall .... 9 

Annie Shaw 9 

Etta Whitmarsh 8 

Aurelia Bates 8 

Lillic Glaizure 10 

Julia Thayer 8 

Josephine Hollis 10 

Margaret O'Ncil 8 

Johanna O'Neil 9 

Clara Keene 10 

]\Iary Finnegan ...... 9 

Florence Powers 7 

Fannie Shaw 6 

Mary Manly 6 

Ida Hobart 7 

]\Iaria Keene 7 

Maiy Clark 6 

Alice Reed 5 

Elra Raymond 8 

Lizzie Manly 5 

Jessie Sewall 7 

Maria Raymond 4 

Alice Hill , 6 

Ida M. L. Prince 5 

Lucie Mcllen 10 . 

Sophia Snell 8 

Sarah Thayer 14 

Whole number . . . G4 

Victoria M. Wade, Teacher. 



ADAMS STREET PRIMARY. 



Age. 

Henry Gowell 9 

Charles Wales 8 

Joseph Cleverly 9 

Ernest Randall 8 

Thomas Readon 9 

Thomas McEniery .... 9 

Cliarles T. Somars .... 9 

John Donovan 8 

George A. Chamberlain ... 10 

James Loftis 8 

Lorenzo Gowell 7 

Willie Hobbs 10 

John Hobbs 11 

E. Frank Arnold 10 

Thomas Arnold 8 

AUia F. Keith 9 

George L. Randall . . . . 13 
5* 



Age. 
Charles F. Randall .... 7 
Rufus D. F. Moore .... 11 
Timothy O'Conner .... 9 

Frederick Smith 10 

Timothy Hill 8 

Thomas Lynch 8 

Jerry O'Conner 7 

James Mansfield 10 

Francis Casey 10 

Elmer Loud 8 

John Brew 11 

Patrick IMurphy 10 

James Murphy 9 

Daniel Hill 10 

Ernest Calkins 9 

Thomas Cloe 9 

Charles D, Holbrook .... 11 



54 



SCHOOLS. 



Alice Merrill . 
Mary E. Brew . 
Emma J. Wales 
njllian M. Stewart 
Lizzie M. Bates 
Annie Smith 
Margaret Maguire 
Mary Arnold 
Eliza M. Ilolbrook 
Mary Connelly . 
Mary Welsh . 
Flora W. Chamberlain 
Isetta M. Chamberlain 
Adelaide R. Tirrell . 
Mary L. Chamberlain 
Emma Towle . . . 
Mary Louisa Chamberlain 
Mary Quinlan . 
Anna Stewart . 
Cora M. Beal . 
Mary Sweeney . 



Age. 
. 7 
. 9 
. 9 
. 9 
. 9 
. 9 
. 13 
. 7 



Ellen Haj'es . . 
Katie Hayes . , 
Mary W. Holbrook 
Katie Connelly . . 
Lizzie Connelly 
Clara Moore . . 
Annie O'Connell . 
Winfred Chamberlain 
Annie Hayes . . 
Jolianna O'Connell 
Lora Allin . . . 
Frances L. Merrill 
Sarah Arnold . . 
Catherine McEniery 
Margaret DriscoU . 
Hannah DriscoU . 
Katie DriscoU . . 
Josephine R. Randall 
Catherine Casey . 
Whole number 



Age. 
9 

10 
9 

10 
7 
8 

10 
9 
8 

10 

10 
9 
5 

10 
9 

10 
9 
9 
9 



74 



E. Augusta Randall, Teacher. 



ADAMS STREET SUB-PRIMARY. 



Age. 

James Maguire 10 

Francis Rush 12 

Willie Brooks 7 

George Brew 8 

Thomas Mansfield .... 7 

Arthur Holbrook 5 

Barney Clark 10 

Peter Loftis 7 

James Lynch 7 

John Murphy 9 

George Keith 6 

Dennis Donovon 5 

Joseph Ring 5 

James Quinlan 7 

Arthur Wheeler 5 

Willie Murphy 7 

John Maekie . 7 

George Smith 5 

Joseph Rush 6 

Christie Leavitt 6 

Everett Arnold 5 

Willie Maekie C 

Harry Keith 4 

Eddie Murphy 5 

Herbert Randall G 



Age. 

Michael Reardon 5 

Cliarles Metcalf 8 

Michael Cloe 4 

John M'Carty 8 

Edward Tirrell 8 

WiUie Cook 
Frank Hobart 
Dun. McCarty 



.... 11 

.... 6 

.... 4 

Jerry Maekie 4 

Miriam Tirrell 7 

Alice Rice 6 

Mary Rice 8 

Edith Ring 5 

Anna Loud 5 

Catherine Quinlan .... 5 

Mary Carney 7 

Georgianna Maxwell .... 6 

Hannah Murphy 8 

Julia Hobbs 8 

Maria Somers 5 

Lizzie Casey 5 

Mary Tx^avitt 7 

Mary DriscoU 8 

Abbie Somers 7 



SCHOOLS. 



55 



Age. 

Mary Driscoll 6 

Josephine Arnold 4 

Julia Hays 6 

Iluth McKay 5 

TioraTowle 5 

Amanda Fogg 7 

Katie Hobbs 6 

Katie O'Brien 4 

Ellon Sweeney 7 

Julia Quinlan 5 



Age. 

Lizzie Welsh 4 

Etta Cook y 

Alice Cloe 8 

Mary Loftis 5 

Sarah Brew 5 

Lizzie Cook 4 

Margaret Sullivan .... 5 

Maria McCarty 6 

Idi Hobart 7 

Whole number .... 68 
Makt p. Ukdekhatt, TeacJier. 



EAST HIGH AND GRAMMAR. 



Ezra W. Arnold . 
J. Lawton Burrill . 
John H. Burrill . 
Zachary T. Beal . 
Frank Ballou . . 
Frederick Crocker 
Wcndall R. Curtis 
Philip O'Connell . 
Lewis W. Cobbett 
Charles W. Denley 
Orlando D. Everson 
Everett H. Fenno 
Wendall P. Grover 
Augustus Gilson . 
William F. Hunt . 
Elliot Holbrook . 
11. Wallace Hunt . 
S. Whitcomb Hunt 
Willard W. Lewis 
Sereno H. Lapham 
Henry M. Lewis . 
Alonzo A. Poole . 
Leslie Poole . . 
George Poole . . 
Charles W. Phillips 
Alonzo W. Perry . 
W. Stanley Phillips 
Charles G. Reed . 
Thomas H. Reed . 
Elmer H. Shaw 
Charles ]M. Shaw . 
Gideon Studley 
Charles B. Torrey 
William Torrey 
Walter G. Tirrell 
Elwin T. Wright . 



Ago. 
. 16 
. 15 
. 12 
. 14 
. 15 
. 16 
. 14 
. 22 
. 13 
. 13 
. 15 
. 13 
. 14 
. 16 
. 13 
. 14 
. 15 
. 13 
. 15 
. 17 
. 17 
. 11 
. 13 
. 13 
. 12 
. 16 
. 15 
. 13 
. 12 
. 13 
. 16 
. 13 
. 13 
. 16 
. 17 
. 12 



Age. 

Herbert Whiting 15 

Henry C. Whiting .... 14 
Everett A. Warren .... 13 
L. Francis Blanchard ... 16 
Albert H. Holbrook .... 16 

James E. Cobbett 16 

Henry W. Reed 13 

Michael Garity 17 

Frederick Dill 16 

Prescott Shaw 15 

Samuel Hunt 14 

Fred Francis 14 

John Mcllvean 15 

Loring Wright 15 

Willie Davis 14 

Allie Poole 16 

Sarah Reed 14 

Susan E. Arnold 12 

Lizzie Arnold 15 

Flora E. Briggs 15 

Lottie M. Burrill 12 

Deborah D. Beal 16 

Abbie Ballou 13 

Irene L. Gushing H 

Georgia Churchill . . . . 12 

Ada b. Chase 12 

Anna M. Denley 15 

Ella A. Everson 14 

Isa A. French 14 

Etta W. Frencti 17 

Emma C. Groce 14 

Ann E. Gardner 16 

Annie Gurney 17 

Flora Holbrook 16 

Lillie Foster 15 



56 



SCHOOLS. 



Age. 

Maria Jenkins 13 

Abbio Jenkins 13 

Abbie Kecne 15 

Sarah L. Moore H 

Sylvia jMitchcIl 14 

Emma Poole 15 

Hannah Poole 14 

Ella F. Poole 13 

Sarah Loud 15 

M. Emma Heed 14 

Lydia M. Reed 17 

Kellie S. Sullivan 12 

Allie Studley 15 

Susie Studley 15 

Addie Studley 14 

Lilla H. Shaw 14 

Annie F. Shaw 13 

Lydia Somers 14 

Eurilla Shaw 17 

Minnie Rand 14 



Age. 

Josie A. Thompson .... 15 

Hittie R. Torrey li 

Ella F. Tirrell 13 

Ir:ora F. Thomas 14 

Lizzie Totman 12 

Ellen A. Walker 13 

Carrie Wheeler IG 

Alice F. Wheeler 16 

Ella Wheeler 13 

Ellen Cobbett 14 

Anna F. Beal 15 

Julia Maria Curtis .... 17 

Cleora C. Gammon .... 16 

Elvira L. Curtis 15 

Emma Hobart 16 

Eudora Mann 14 

Ilattie M. Smith 18 

Irene Gardner 16 

Elvira Blanchard 19 

Whole number . . .110 

Chaeles S. Brooks, Principal. 

Jane E. Gilmore, Assistant. 



EAST INTERMEDIATE. 



Patrick Maguire . 
Fred H. Torry . . 
David W. Jacobs . 
John J. Purcell 
Bradford R. Parks 
Charles E. Hunt . 
Daniel Donovan . 
Frank Hutchins . 
John F. Barry . . 
Frank E. Brewster 
Henry W. Chase . 
George W. Wheeler 
Hugh K. Ellard . 
James A. E. Underwood 
John Shea . . . 
Michael Capliss 
George Crowley . 
Willie E. Hazeltine 
John Spence . '. 
Michael Crowley . 
William Downey . 
David Barry . . 
Thomas Barry . . 
Lorenzo Garrity . 



Age. 
11 
9 
13 
11 
12 
11 
11 
12 
10 
12 
10 
12 
12 
10 
12 
13 
12 
13 
11 
11 
12 
12 
13 
12 



Patrick Collins 
E:lwin Mulrudy 
James Dunn 
William Cook . 

Nellie A. Bigelow 
Clara M. Poole 
Hattie B. Poole 
Marcia, Reed 
Nellie L. Shaw 
Emily Fenno . 
Lizzie F. Fuller 
Emily P. Shaw 
Emma G. Wright 
Flora A. Poole 
Ilattie M. Lapham 
Flora I. Base . 
Sarah R. Beale 
Lizzie E. Damon 
Ar.nie Cuningham 
Mary A. Jacobs 
Annie Havre 
Mary A. Mone . 
Sarah J. Connell 



Age. 
10 
10 
10 



12 
11 
10 
11 
10 
11 
10 
10 
10 
9 
12 
11 
10 
11 
12 
11 
12 
14 
11 



SCHOOLS. 



Ellen Capliss . . 
Mary A. Spence . 
Jolianna O'Brien . 
Huklah G. Gushing 
S. Nettie AValker . 
Maria L. Dunham 



Acre. 
. 14 
. 11 
. 11 
. 9 
, 9 
. 12 



Age. 

Ellen Dunn 12 

Susan Garrity 13 

Jane Garrity 10 

Sarah Holhrook 14 

Whole number ... 57 

Eleanor C. Brooks, Teacher. 



NORTH UNION STREET INTERMEDIATE. 



Gustavus Mann 
Amos Holhrook 
Fred Shaw . . 
William CuUinan 
Joseph Dunn . 
W^illiam Morrison 
James Kearn . 
William Ames . 
David Burke . 
John Slincy 
Wendell Blaisdell 
Thomas Kcndrigan 
Willie O'llearn 
JNIichael McCrate 
Horace Mann . 
Henry McHarney 
James Hunt 
William Bcarce 
John Brooks 
Henry Howland 
Jlichael Conroy 
George Hatch . 
James Beverly . 
Thomas O'Donnell 
George Gardner 
Herbert Arnold 
Ehvood Beals . 
Erank Beverly . 
John Burke . . 
James O'Connell 
Michael Cullinan 
George Whitman 
William Dyke . 
Herbert Tower 
Thomas Chubbuck 
Horace Payne 
Charles Clark 



Age. 
14 
11 

i;^ 

10 
17 
10 
10 
14 
13 
11 
11 
11 
10 
10 
12 
15 
14 
15 
14 
14 
14 
14 
14 

9 
10 

9 

12 
12 
10 
12 
10 
10 
14 
10 
14 
15 
14 



Age. 
Henry W. Holhrook . . . .13 

John Conroy H 

Emma Ford 13 

Mary Holhrook 10 

Lizziette Vinton 11 

Mcriva Johnson 13 

Alice Tower 13 

Elsie Pratt 12 

Flora Blaisdell II 

Katie Kcndrigan 13 

Emily Holhrook 9 

Ruth Stetson .12 

Mary A. Dunn 14 

Katie OTIearn 13 

Alice Ilebbard 9 

Mary A. Burke 13 

Laura Stoddard 12 

Lottie Phelps 8 

Emma L. Hunt 10 

Maria Stoddard 15 

Sarah Curtis 10 

Annie Cullinan 11 

Johanna Sullivan 11 

Maria Gardner 9 

Katy Sullivan 10 

Lizzie Dunn 10 

Adah Hatch 10 

Ella Curtis 10 

Emma Curtis 8 

Julia O'Connell 14 

Mary A. Fernald 10 

Abbie Chubbuck H 

Ellen Sullivan 15 

Harriet Payne 13 

C.roline Pratt 9 

Louisa Blaisdell 14 

Whole number ... 73 
HuLDAH B. Loud, Teacher. 



58 



SCHOOLS. 



UNION STREET FIRST PRIMARY. 



Age. 

George H. Bass 9 

"Winnie Brewster 9 

Amos W. Baldwin .... 8 

Wilber Burrill 8 

Henry W. Corbett .... 10 

John Collins 7 

John Carney 8 

Patrick Caplice 9 

William Croney 13 

Eugene Damon 8 

Prank II. Damon 10 

John Dawncy 10 

Percy Douglas 6 

Willie Douglas 8 

Irving Estes 8 

George Hatch 11 

J. Warren Hatch 10 

Daniel Holbrook 11 

Willie Ilallett 8 

Matthew J. Hart 7 

Elmer T. Grover 7 

Henry Gayvon 9 

Emery Jenkins lO 

Matthew Kelley 8 

Herbert Leavitt 9 

John Leighton 8 

Robert Mcllrcrne 9 

James Russell 9 

Prank Studley lO 

James Shea 8 

Orrille Studley 7 

Leon Shaw 9 

Patrick Shanahan 11 

John Tracy 8 

Jonas Williams 9 

George Williams lO 

Maurice Gary 11 

Joseph Garrety 8 

Henry M. Pratt 8 



Eusene W. Beals 
Frc'd E. Crowel 
Dennis Mahoney 

Lilian M. Arnold 
Josie Arnold 
Mary A. Bulger 
Mary A. Barry 
Grace M. Bigelow 
Mary A. Collins 
Marietta W. Curtis 
Katie Crowley . 
Margaret Croney 
Hannah Carey . 
]\Iary E. Daly . 
Katy J. Flcmming 
Cecila Bulger . 
Lilian C. Grover 
Sarah J. Hatch 
Maria Hart . . 
Johanna Kelly . 
Eliza Holbrook 
Lucy M. Lane . 
Ida Leavitt . . 
Sarah Lapham . 
Clara A. Jacobs 
Sarah W. Mcllrene 
Marcella Mulreedy 
Mary A. Readon . 
Mary A. Shanahan 
Ella Warner . . 
Mary A. Parker . 
Laura Tribbu . . 
Mary Ann Donovan 
Bridget O'Brien . 
Katie Brewster 
Clara E. Keene 
Whole number 



-Age. 
. 9 
. 10 
. 11 

. 8 
. 9 

. 8 
. 10 
. 7 
. 11 
. 7 
. 8 
. 11 
. 10 
. 10 
. 11 
. 7 
. 7 
. 8 
. 10 
. 9 
. 9 
. 7 
. 7 
. 7 
. 10 
. 7 
. 8 
. 8 
. 8 
. 7 
. 8 
. 12 
. 12 
. 8 
. 11 
. 11 



Sarah Puller, Teacher. 



UNION STREET SUB-PRIMARY. 



Willie Studley 7 

Everett Studley 5 

Willie Fenno G 

Alfred E. Knox 6 

Edwin E. Bass 7 



Age. 

Edwin S. Jacobs 6 

Hermon Studley 5 

Daniel Corkery 6 

Dennis Lee 8 

Handel Poole 6 



SCHOOLS. 



59 



James Burke . 
Silas D. Cliase . 
Walter Underwood 
Earnest Damon 
Michael Williams 
James Crawley 
Daniel Burke . 
Jerry Shannon . 
Michael Shannon 
Willie Tracy 
James Williams 
Patsy Carey 
Thomas Green , 
Thomas Carey . 
Edward Fleming 
l^ichard Hart . 
Clarence Arnold 
Henry Payne . 
Willie Rcadon . 
John O'Hearn . 
Jerome Donovon 
Mcljar H. Bass 
Daniel M. Hancy 
Maurice Caplice 
James Caplice . 
John Parker 
Osccna Tribou . 
Arthur Higgins 
John Crawley . 
Michael Gilbon 
James Ford . 
Caleb Holbrook 
Elislia N. Holbrook 
Thomas Caplice 
David Conry 
]iichard Barry . 
John O'Connell 
George O'Connell 
John Corkery . 
Patrick Carey . 
Willie Shaler . 
James Downej' 
Herbert L. Stoddard 
Maurice Murphy 
William Murphy 
James Hunt 
John Barker 
Daniel Collins . 
Henry Purcell . 
John O'Brien . 
John Murphy . 
Fannie Collins . 
Genie Curtis 
Ellen Barry . . 
Mary E. Fleming 



Katie Shea . . 
Fannie Downy . 
Mary Shea . . 
Mary Tracy . . 
Maggie Sullivan 
Mary Ann Downy 
Mary A. Caplice 
Effiie J. Grover 
Annie Cobbett . 
Lydia M. Bass . 
Julia Hayes . . 
Mary E. Hayes 
Ellen S. Hunt . 
Julia Barry . . 
Hattie B. Duell 
lone Chase . . 
Mary F. Green 
Mary A. Lewellyn 
Lizzie Lewellyn 
Maggie Readon 
Lizzie McCarthy 
Mary A. Eussel 
Katie Caplice . 
Nellie Carey 
Lydia M. Hatch 
KUen M. Kennedy 
Jane Mcllreen . 
Ellaretta Tribou 
Sarah J. Tribou 
Ann M. Barry . 
Julia M. Haley 
Ellen Laden ^ . 
Katie Laden 
Mary Dorrogan 
j\Iary A. Readon 
Mary Higgins . 
Maggie O'Hearn 
Mary McKenny 
Lizzie Lyons 
Bridget Downey 
Bridget Ryan . 
Maggie O'Brien 
Emily Purcell . 
Mary Kelly . . 
Katy Conry . . 
Margaret Lyons 
Julia Hatch . . 
Maria Hatch . 
Lottie Duell . 
Ann JNLaria Carney 
Maria Lowell . 
Nellie Clark , 
Annie Page . , 
Mary Barker 

Whole number 
Lucy E. Hunt, 



119 

Teacher. 



60 



SCHOOLS. 



UNION STREET NORTH PRIMARY. 



Charles W. Holbrook 

W. Irving Curtis . . 
Charles F. Forbes 

William Foley . . . 

George Clark . . . 

John E. Roache . . 

John J. INIcMorrow . 

Thomas Flynn . . . 

Freddie Curtis . . . 

Walter H. Clark . . 

Prescott Arnold . . 

Everett Hebljerd . . 

Wilbur Damon . . 

James Hacket . . . 

David N. Foley . . 

J. Henry Hacket . . 

Michael Foley . . . 

Arthur W. Tower . 

John Hacket . . . 

Howard Clark . . . 

James O'Brine . . . 

Frank McMorrow . . 



Ago. 
. 7 
. 7 
. 7 
. 10 
. 10 



Lillian A. Mann . 
Saruh J. Dunham 
Mary E. Quinn 
Adelia Quinn . . 
Hannah O'Connell 
Katie E. Foley . . 
Mary Hacket . . 
Celia A. FHnn . . 
Hannah Flinn . . 
IMary Ann Hacket 
Almira J. Furnald 
Ellen Hacket . . 
Mary Hoor . . . 
Naomi M. Fernald 
Ida Damon . . . 
Nellie Hacket . . 
Lillie Arnold . . 
Lizzie Flynn . . 
Maggie Wall . . 
Mary Ella Mackin 
Catherine F. Quinn 
Whole num))er 



Age. 
. 9 
. 9 
. 11 
. 9 



43 



10 
7 
7 
G 
7 
7 
8 
6 
5 
5 
5 
5 
i 

11 
6 
7 



Hattie B. Smith, Teacher. 



NORTH *UNION STREET PRIMARY. 



Age. 

John Sullivan 9 

Thomas Stoddard 10 

Thomas McCrate 9 

Frank Shaw 7 

Bennie Stoddard 8 

Eben Whitman 7 

John Callahan 9 

Stephen Heran 8 

John Brooks 9 

Henry Stoddard 7 

Alton Curtis 8 

Thomas Burke 8 

David Stoddard 10 

Charlie Phillips G 

Henry Hacket 7 

Amos Clark G 

Billy Stoddard 5 

Walter Blancliard . . . . G 

Bennie Thompson .... 5 

Charlie A. Brown 4 

Frank O'Marra 7 



Willie Conners 
Spencer Johnson . 
James H. Morrison 
Edward E. Dyke . 
Roger McCrate 
Frank Clark . . 
Mary Etta Blanchard 
Arabelle Manser . 
Mary Ann Ford . 
Maggie Cullinan . 
Mary Ann Downey 
Julia Cullinan . . 
Mary McCrate . . 
Mary Ellen Cullinan 
Corina Brooks . . 
Julia Maria Dunn 
Mary J. Thompson 
Bridget Ford . . 
Sarah M. Develin . 
Mary Ann Sullivan 
Ann Maria Morrison 



Age. 
. G 

. 7 



6 
4 

7 
9 
7 
9 
8 
11 
7 
G 
6 
8 
6 
7 
7 
8 
5 
6 



SCHOOLS. 



61 



Ida Phillips 4 

Katie Ford 5 

Honora Burke 6 

Susie Keran 5 

Sarah J. Dunn 4 

Lucy M. Brooks 5 



Age, 

Laura Bailey .6 

Alice J. Dyke 8 

Nettie Vinton 8 

Alma Vinton 7 

Whole number ... 52 
Maria L. Rowland, Teacher. 



WEBSTER STREET INTERMEDIATE 



Age. 
Lawrence Donovan . . . .12 

Thorne Hallett 12 

Benjamin Irish 15 

Frank Littlefield 12 

Henry Hobart 10 

Wallace Burrell 11 

Nelson Burrell 9 

James ISIangan 11 

James Gunny 12 

George Mangan 10 

Henry D. Smith 9 

Howard M. Pool 9 

Everett Wheeler 9 

Orlando Pool 11 

David Welsh 13 

Rufus Hobart 14 

George Burrell 14 

Joseph Murray 10 

Arthur Pool 10 

Austin Wheeler 10 

Ferdinand Thompson ... 13 

Eddy ]\IcGrath 9 

Elliott Beal 8 



John Mangan . 


, 








-ag«. 
. 12 


Howard Davis . . 








. 12 


Angelia W. Collins 








. 11 


Mina Turner . . 








12 


Georgiana Pool 










12 


Bessie Dunn 










14 


Anabel Hobart . 










13 


Clara Burrell . 










11 


AUce C. Pool . 










11 


Mary A. C-offee 










12 


Maria S. Curtis 










14 


Alice Foster 










13 


Margaret Mangan 










12 


Georgietta Lane 










13 


Lueetta Wheeler . 










11 


Abbie Gil man . . 










12 


Ellen Gilman . . 










9 


Ada Beal . . . 










10 


May Sullivan . . 










9 


Anne Stoddard 










10 


Mary G. Stoddard 








12 


Whole numbe 


r . 


. 




44 





Elizabeth W. Poole, Teacher. 



EAST MARKET STREET PRIMARY. 



Age. 

John Ford 11 

John Quin 11 

Henry W. Keene 10 

Eddie Doane 10 

George Baker 9 

James McGrath 9 

John Coffie 9 



Age. 

Charlie Studley 9 

Gushing INIitchell 9 

Tommie Burke 8 

Walter Gushing 8 

Denr.is Ford 8 

Daniel Murrill 8 

Henry Casey 8 



62 



SCHOOLS. 



James Condon 7 

Daniel Callahan 7 

John Studley 7 

Joseph Campbell 7 

Lewis Doane 7 

John McGrath 6 

Jerry Ford 6 

Maurice Ford 6 

Eddie Perry 6 

John Burke 6 

Fred Torrey 6 

Harvey Torrey 6 

Dennis Shea 6 

Leslie Estes 5 

Euric V. Thompson .... 5 

Charlie Brown 6 

Eddie R. Hopkins 5 

Jamie Ford 5 

Maurice Condon 5 

John Campbell 5 

Tommie Murrill 5 

Tommie Chaplais 5 

Freddie Cashing 4 

Tommie Love 4 

Johnnie Shea 4 

Allie Josselyn 4 

Katy McCarthy 7 

Eva Foster 5 

Ella Josselyn 5 

Delia Mangan 5 

IJzzie Perry 4 

Eliza Perry 4 

Emma Keene 5 

Katie Chaplais 5 



Sarah Sullivan 6 

Ellen Sullivan 6 

Emma Quince 5 

Mary Quince 6 

Mary Burke 5 

Mary Hocyse 5 

Mary Lizzie Torrey .... 4 

Sarah Mongon 4 

Mary L. Lime 5 

Nellie Faunce 4 

Nellie Callaghan 4 

JMaria Lime 4 

Ettie Ellis 6 

Sarah Penny 10 

Lizzie Hayse 10 

Hannah Ford 9 

Ellin Murrill 9 

Mary Sullivan 9 

Ellen Chaplais 9 

Katie Moane 9 

Teresa Locke 8 

Mary O'Hearn 8 

Annie Penny 8 

Annie Torrey 8 

Mary Chaplais 8 

Mary McGrath 8 

Maggie Love 8 

Mary Callaghan 8 

Nellie Clark 7 

Clara Hopkins 8 

Lizzie Cashing 6 

Sarah Develin 7 

Fannie Bailey 6 

Whole number . . . .81 

M. A. Hopkins, Teacher. 



WEBSTER STREET PRIMARY. 



Age. 

John Condor 8 

Timothy Harrington .... 5 

Cornelius Crowly 5 

John lloache 10 

John Lewellyn 5 

Wilson Whiting 7 

Lemuel Dill 9 

Charlie Beal 7 

Frank Dill 8 

Burleigh Collins G 



Wilfred Pool 
Arthur Higgins 
Charlie Po'ol 
James Thomas 
Eddie Hobart 
Willie Burrell 
Elliott Pool . 
Richard Mongon 
Arthur Lane 
Charlie Wheeler 



Age. 

7 
7 



SCHOOLS. 



63 



Age. 

Wesley Everson 7 

Lcander Hallctt 6 

Clarence Kipley 7 

Ernest BurrcU 7 

John Phillips 6 

Arthur Davis 5 

Walter Pool 7 

Walter Stoddard G 

Ernest Collins 8 

James Donavon ..... 5 

Sumner Turner 7 

William Welch ..... 8 

John Macalvene 5 

Josej)!! Wheeler 6 

Albert Donavon 7 

Charlie Stoddard 5 

INIorris Chene G 

Fred Lane 4 

Henry Lewellyn 6 

Joseph Murray 5 

Cornelius Murray 6 

Emma Dill 11 

Enna Crocker 8 

Mary Hallett 8 

Jennie Wheeler 4 

Nettie Pool 7 

CeliaPool 8 

Arabella Monsur G 

Effle Wheeler 6 

Caroline Donavon .... 8 

Effiie Beal 5 

Nettie Beal 6 



Age. 

Mary Driscol 9 

Kate Driscol 7 

Affii Oilman 6 

Abbie Connel 6 

Maggie Connel 4 

Mary Iris 8 

Josephine Iris 7 

Jane Welch 11 

Lizzie Mongon 7 

Bridget Chene 9 

Mary Sullivan 6 

Margaret Murray 7 

Mary Murray JO 

Kate Goy 6 

Florence Pool 7 

Mary Lewellyn 4 

Mary Lewellyn 5 

M;iry Grady 5 

Bridget Grady 9 

Mary Pool 5 

Frances Donavon 8 

Nellie Rynhart 4 

Margaret Jones 9 

Ellen Condor 6 

Ellen Jones 7 

Alice Jones 5 

Carrie Hughes 6 

Margaret Magnor 12 

Julia Murray 5 

Kate Harrington 10 

Eliza LcAvellyn 13 

Margaret Macalvene .... 8 
Whole number ... 84 
Geetrude Pooi.e, Teacher. 



MARKET STREET INTERMEDIATE. 



Joseph Jenkins 
Marshal Lane . 
Josiah Burgess 
Herbert Sampson 
Austin Mitchell 
James Roarty . 
Everett Perry . 
Samuel D. Lewis 
Charles E. Studley 
Edward Lane . . 



Frank Sampson 
George Hunt 
Charles Elmes 
Chester Perry 
George Evans 
Alfred Reed . 
Elliot Wade 
David Toliin 
Herbert Baker 
John Jones • 



10 
9 

10 
10 
13 
9 
13 
II 
12 
13 



64 



SCHOOLS. 



Age. 

Annie Hobson 15 

Ida Joyce 12 

Katie Butterfield . . . . .12 

Josie Wigginton 15 

Annie Torrey 11 

EuthTirrell 9 

Lizzie Beverly 10 

Addie Thompson 13 

Abbie Lovell 13 

Lizzie Lane 10 

Helen Briggs 10 

Arabella Young 9 

Marion Loud 14 

Hannah Murrill 11 

Mary ]\IcCraith 13 

Hannah McCraith . . . .11 

Mary Burgess 15 

Jessie Totraan 9 



Age. 

Mary Foster 11 

Ella Torrey 12 

Jennie Locke 10 

Emma Studley 13 

Eva Delano 12 

Martha Simes 13 

Emma Lewis 11 

Julia Kennedy li 

Ruth Torrey 8 

Mary E. Lewis 9 

Lizzie Penney 12 

Alma Lane 9 

Henrietta Willis 12 

Mary McCarthy 10 

Lilla Fletcher 9 

Lucia Taylor 11 

Eva Monroe 11 

Whole number ... 55 
Fannie Reed, Teacher. 



MARKET STREET PRIMARY. 



Age. 

Artluir Baker. 8 

Frank Wade 8 

Charlie Jenkins G 

Charlie Huchins 8 

Aroseoe Briggs 6 

Altie Elmes 7 

Charlie Lewis 7 

Frank Butterfield 13 

Alonzo Wade 10 

Horatio Burgess 9 

Willie Warren 9 

Walter Perry 7 

Austin Everson 7 

C.iarlie Winslow 8 

Francis Wade 9 

Everett Lane C 

Fletcher Jenkins 5 

Walter Lane 5 

Chester Studley 6 

Horace Totman 7 

Whitie Everson 4 

Elliot Willis 9 

Genella Delano 7 

Roland Delano 9 

Frank Kennedy 9 

Walter Kennedy 10 

W^illie Cook 10 

Henry Whitcomb 6 



Age. 

Ezra Delano 4 

Charlie Sanborn 10 

John McCarty 9 

Maurice Murphy 10 

.John Riurphy 6 

Henry Purcell G 

Michael Sullivan .6 

James Gun 5 

Willie Toben 9 

Willie Sullivan 8 

Thomas Griffin 10 

John O'Connell 9 

Eddie Tobin 7 

David McCraite 6 

Patrick McCraite 5 

George O'Connell 7 

Willie Barry 7 

John Hoy 7 

Michael McEnroe 6 

James McEnroe 9 

James McGovern 5 

Gerald Fitzgerald 7 

John Fitzgerald 5 

Patrick Connors 7 

Patrick Considine 7 

Andrew Considine .... 8 

Mattie Jones 8 

Charlie McGovern .... 11 



SCHOOLS. 



65 



Age. 

James Tobin 5 

JMuurice Tangley 8 

Nettie Kcene 6 

Lizzie Wade 6 

Paith Wade 5 

Jessie Loud 8 

Clara Gurncy 7 

Mary Tower 6 

Editli Delano 6 

Emma Hunt 6 

Estelle Perry 4 

Clara Cook 7 

Etta Joyce G 

ISIara Gurney 4 

Annie Lapham 4 

Mary McEnroe 12 

Ellen McEnroe 5 

Sarah Barry 9 

Maggie O'Donald 7 



Age. 

Ellen Murphy 5 

Mary Murphy 8 

Mary A. Sullivan ..... 7 

Lizzie O'Hayre 7 

Emily Purcell 9 

Abbie Kelly 5 

Mary Connors 6 

Julia McEnroe 11 

Nancy Conners 5 

Bridget Jones 10 

Alary Sougliroe 9 

Margaret Sougliroe .... 7 

Mary E. Purcell 5 

jMary McCarty 5 

Maggie McCraite 4 

Mary Hoy 4 

Mary Connors 6 

Mary O'Hayre 6 

Whole number ... 93 

Georgia Lane, Teacher. 



SOUTH HIGH AND GRAMMAR SCHOOL. 



Charles D. Fullerton 
George E. Hersey 
Albert H. Harlow . 
J. Roland Corthell 
I. Carey Alden 
George Gurncy 
David A. Gurney . 
Ira A. Leach . . 
W. Bradford Wade 
Noah A. Poole . . 
Elmer W. Noyes . 
Charles A. Hutchin 
Horace R. Reed . 
Z. Elbridge Peterson 
Bennie H. Blake . 
George F. Kcene . 
Edward C. Perry . 
J. Edwar^l Morse . 
Frank E. Shaw 

Helen L. Fullerton 
Lizzie A. Peterso-n 



Age. 

Mary W. Noyes 14 

Helen G. Leach 15 

Augusta J. Reed 15 

Clara A. Nash 14 

Emma J. Earle 13 

Georgianna E. Soule ... 13 

Joanna Fullerton 14 

L. Addie Beale 15 

Laura F. White 13 

Annie F. Ransom 13 

Julia 0. Donovan 13 

Martha I. Sharpe 14 

Clara J. Reed 14 

Mary R. Jenkins 15 

Lodora B. Fielding .... 13 

Ellon M. Gurney 14 

Ella S. Bates 12 

Lucy J. Gurney 13 

Annie Jones 14 

Huldah J. Leach 13 

Whole number ... 41 



Henet B. Bkown, a. M., Principal. 



6* 



66 



SCHOOLS. 



SOUTH AVENUE INTERMEDIATE. 



William W. Blanchard 
Davis M. Gurney . . 
Frank A. Eeed . . . 
Elmer FuUerton . . 
Edwin Poolo . . . 
Edward 0. Dyer . . 
Charles H. Fairbanks 
Henry Webster Clift . 
James Robinson . . 
George Q. Churchill . 
Frank Conroy . . . 
Willie Merritt CorthcU 
Andrew Gloj'd . . . 
Charles Henry Blanchard 
Abner C. Coombs . . 
Samuel J. Blois . . 
John Burke .... 
Edney Francis Bowles 
Willie T. Sherman . 
Franklin W. Reed . 
Samuel 0. Gurney . 
Walter C. Packard . 
George Franklin Harlow 
William D. Cook . . 
Frederick L. Soule . 
Herbert F. Hutcliinson 
George B. Phiuney . 
Albert H. Blois . . 
Michael O'Brien . . 
William W. Vining . 

Sarah P. Vining . . 
Sarah M. Lewis . • 



Age. 
. 12 
. U 
. 12 
. 11 
. 10 
. 11 
. 11 
. 11 
. 12 
. 12 
. 10 
. 11 
. 14 
. 1-4 
. 12 
. 11 
. 11 
. 14 
. 11 
. 11 
. 11 
. 10 
. 10 
. 10 
. 10 
. 13 
. 10 
. 12 
. 10 
. 9 

. 11 
. 13 



Rosina Ann Cook . . . 
Mary Frances Thompson 
Lucy R. Sproul 
Mary E. French . 
Emma R. Malroy . 
F. R. Sproul . . 
Susan M. Reed 
Mary A. Peterson . 
Emily A. Alden 
Maria L. Alden 
Julia M. Darrow . 
Addie R. Gurney . 
Ida B. Harding . 
Anna M. Beal . 
Margaret Lynn 
Agnes Barnes Sproul 
Mary Ella Chamberlain 
Mary Frances Donov 
Julia A. Blake . . 
Anna Eliza Reed . 
Effie Ransom . . 
Ada F. Gurney 
Mary Alice Bates . 
INIary E. Churchill 
Isabel W. Leach . 
Sarah E. Ripley 
Susan E. Herscy . 
Joannah Meany 
Alice i\I. Reed . . 
Ellen Meany . . 
Ida W. Josselyn . 
Whole number 



Age. 
14 
10 
12 
13 
10 
10 
13 
10 
10 
11 
9 
10 
12 
12 
14 
14 
13 
10 
8 
11 
10 
11 
10 

11 

12 
13 

9 
10 
10 

9 
12 



G3 



Mart E. Reed, Teacher. 



PLEASANT STREET MIXED. 



Matthew Sullivan . , 
Edwin F. Leonard 
William C. Hendley . 
A. Welcome Gurney 
Wilson M. Bourne . 
John Prouty . . . 
Ciiarles W. Harding . 
Walter S. Leach . . 



Age. 
15 
15 
14 
14 
13 
12 
IG 
10 



Myron A. Jenkins 
Horatio N. Winslow 
George E. Leavitt. 
J. Manly Gurney . 
0.scar H. Pacre 
Ciiarles Townsend 
Eddie C. Cooke 
Henry Wliite . . 



Ago. 
"13 
12 
14 
10 
10 
13 
12 
10 



SCHOOLS. 



67 



Charles M. Gurney 
Georue F. Bounie 
Willie H. Winslow 
Charles E. Sullivan 
Eddie White . . 
Charles E. Ilendley 
J. Quincy Dunbar 
Wallace C. Alden 
Josiah M. Bourne 
Joseph Hill . . 
Kelson Churchill 
George Tuttle . 
Asa L. Gurney . 

C. Franklin Reene 

D. Webster Townsend 
Otis H. Alden . . 
J. Marshall Bourne 
George F. Reene . 
Albert Bates . . 
Walter L. Reed . 
John H. Pickernell 
Cliarles D. Dyer . 
Everett Caswell 
Albion Thomas 



Ella J. Thomas' . 
Emily RI. Gannett 
Alice F. Cooke . . 



Age. 
. 9 
. 5 
. 8 
. 10 
. 7 
. 8 



Age. 



Emily E. Dunbar . 






. . 8 


Anna E. Packard . 






. . 11 


H. Lizzie Pickernell 






. . 11 


Mary L. Pickernell 






. . 9 


Mary L. Hendley . 






. . 10 


Anna G. Reed . . 






. . 9 


Sarah C. Reed . . 






. . 7 


Carrie L. Winslow 






. 10 


Chestina Churchill 






. 14 


Jennie M. Alden . 






. 11 


Julia F. Bates . . 






. 9 


Loretta Bourne 






. 10 


Carrie I. Cooke 






. 7 


B. Florence Cooke 






. 5 


Addie M. Tuttle . 






. 9 


Jennie E. Hendley 






. 5 


Lilian E. Reed . . 






. 8 


J. Maria Sullivan . 






. 7 


Hattie J. Packard . 






. 8 


Ida Winslow . . 






. 6 


Ella Reene . . . 






. 6 


Nellie J. Hersey • 






. 6 


Rosabel S. Gurney 






. 9 


Lottie C. Gannett . 






. 7 


Abbie L. Reene 






. 8 


Alice M. Caswell . 






. 8 


Whole number . 






69 



Helen A. Reed, Teacher. 



PLYMOUTH STREET INTERMEDIATE. 



Herbert Arnold 
Henry Cox . . 
John Caughlan . 
Edward Coin 
Wilmot Everson 
William Faulkner 
James Fhiven . 
John Flaven 
George Fairbanks 
Edgar Fuller 
Bernard Fitzgerald 
Bernard Gilbride 
John Gilbride . 
Albion Gloyd . 
Edwin Ilutcliinson 
Charles Hutcliinsoa 



Ago. 

12 

9 

10 
15 
15 
13 
10 
11 
10 
12 
12 
11 
11 
13 
10 
12 



Frank Keon 9 

Frederic Lane 9 

Albion Leavitt 11 

William Millett 11 

James Moran 12 

Alphonso Munroe .... 13 

Lucien Nelson 9 

Charles Powers 12 

Freddie Reed 10 

Charles Rand 12 

Everett Wilkes 9 

Abbie Bennett 9 

Jennie Bcal 11 

Emma Davy 11 

Maggie Donaghue 11 



68 



SCHOOLS. 



Age. 

Hannah Donaghue .... 9 

LnellaEwell 10 

Eliza Fairbanks 12 

Mary Keon 9 

Eva Munroe 11 

Marietta Millett 14 

Mary Pratt 11 

Anna Powers 10 



Age. 

Hattie Richmond 11 

Emma Reed 13 

Ellen Smith 11 

Emmeline Smith 9 

Georgianna Whiting .... 12 

M. Alice Wilkes 12 

Whole number . . . .45 

Lizzie A. Eord, Teacher, 



PLYMOUTH STREET PRIMARY. 



Ago. 

Ralph Whiting 6 

Gcorgie L. Ewell 4 

Arthur Powers 5 

WiUie Fitzgerald 8 

Maurice Condley 9 

Daniel DriscoU 5 

Frankie Donoghue .... 10 

Lucian P. Nelson 9 

Henry A. Ballou 9 

George M. Gloyd 10 

Willie L. Fairbanks .... 7 

Horace G. Beal 9 

Barney G. Baldwin .... 5 

Henry Quigley 9 

Willie Quigley 7 

Albert Quigley 13 

Frankie A. Millett .... 9 
Lemuel W. Whiting . . . .11 

Eugene Whiting 7 

George H. Gould G 

Chester E. Cook 8 

Johnnie McHugh 8 

George O. Young 8 

Thomas Russell 10 

James Russell 7 

Edgar W. Beal 7 

Augustus L. Freeman ... 9 
Johnnie B. Coombs . . . .11 

Josie A. Coombs 9 

Sammie Coombs 6 

Willie A. Cane 4 

Eddie Cane 5 

Ashton H. Pratt 7 

Andrew Jackson 6 

Richard Lyons 9 

Henry Lyons 5 



Allie Noyes . . 
Willie H. Beal . 
Willie D. Reed 
Hansard Bessee 
B. Ernest Wilkes 
Patrick Considine 
Andrew Considine 
Francis Wade . 

Ida Ewell . . 
Emma F. Wilkes 
Erie Davy . . 
Anna W. Faunce 
Nellie F. Gilbride 
Mabel Bessee . 
Emma A. Nash 
Katie Jackson . 
Anna L. Powers 
Anna M. Lane . 
Edith B. Lane . 
Mary A. Nash . 
Sarah Pntterson 
Mary A. Patterson 
Nellie F. Lincoln 
Mary A. DriscoU 
Hannah DriscoU 
Sarah Russell . 
Emma B. Wood 
Augusta M. Everson 
Lizzette Ewell . 
Hannah Donoghue 
Jennie Parmenter 
Leonis Thompson 
Georgianna Fitzgerald 
Mary McCuUough 
Whole number 



6 
6 
5 

4 
4 

11 
9 

11 

13 

10 
7 
6 
7 
6 

10 

10 
9 
7 
5 
8 
7 
6 
6 

10 
7 
5 
8 
8 
8 
9 
7 
6 
7 
9 



C. Valesta Wormelle, 



70 
Teacher. 



SCHOOLS. 



SOUTH ABINGTON SCHOOL STREET EIRST PRIMAEY. 



J. Lewis Reed . . 
William D. Cook . 
N. Franklin Caswell 
W. Franklin Chamberlain 
William F. S. Reed 
I. Morey Lewis 
Gilbert L. Sproul . 
Charles W. Bressingham 
William H. Sharpe 
E. Warren Clift . 
William C. Porter 
Abraham Bloise 
Henry L. Holbrook 
John Robinson . . 
Marcus W. Reed . 
Daniel A. Wade , 
Oscar L. Gurney . 
Lewis B. Howe 
Warren Corthell . 
Edward C. Osborne 
Thomas Lewis , . 
Oliver H. Reed . 
Elnathan W. Haskell 
Abbott Thompson . 
Henry L. Peterson 
George F. Bates . 
John E. Bosworth 
Michael O'Brien . 



Age. 

12 

11 

11 

11 

13 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

9 

9 

9 

9 

8 

8 



Jeddie A. Vining . 
Joseph H. Haskell 
William H. Lincoln 

Mandana M. Teague 
Lucinda M. Taggard 
Julia S. Howe . . 
Malansa W. Gurney 
R. Alice Gloyd . 
Lucy A. Reed . 
Carrie A. Jenkins 
Isabel J. B. Teague 
Hattie A. Leach 
Addie F. Dyer . 
Ida F. Cole . . 
Ida H. Thorpe . 
Emma J. Sharpe 
Ella C. Porter . 
Lucy J. Sherman 
Addie H. Huntington 
Alice M. Soule . 
Alice M. Caswell 
Mary A. Spelman 
Mary A. Nevans 
Eveline W. Phinney 
Rubena N. Hutchinson 
Whole number . 



Age. 
6 
6 
9 



11 
11 
10 

10 
10 
10 
9 
9 
9 
9 
9 
9 



53 



S. LiLLiE GuKNET, Teaclicr. 



SOUTH ABINGTON SCHOOL STREET SUB-PRIMARY. 



Age. 

Edward Lnddy 9 

Frank R. Norton 8 

James L. Sproul 8 

Herbert O. Matthews ... 8 

Charles Leach 8 

Michael Barry 7 

Sumner Poole 7 

Jerry O'Brien 7 

George A. Clift G 

William Spelman 6 

Herbert Norton 6 

Freddie W. ChurchUl . . . C 



Age. 

George LcAvis 6 

H. Clayton Harden .... 6 

Clifford French 6 

Philip Robertson 8 

Charles Sherman 6 

George E. Alden 6 

Seth E. Alden 5 

Charles Taggard 5 

John Luddy 5 

Austin Foster 5 

Clarence C. Corthell .... 5 

John Leach 4 



70 



SCHOOLS. 



Waldo Packard 
Henry J. Sherman 
Albert W. West . 

Catherine A. Nevan 
Jane Gloyd . . 
Mary Bourke . 
Margaret Conry 
Alice M. Taggard 
Ida M. Bloi.se . 
Mary A. Mcaney 
Lizzie J. West . 
Mary E. Luddy 
Sarah E. Lincoln 
Hattie A. Reed 



Age. 
i 

4 
4 

10 
12 









Age. 


Mary Kinsley 7 


Ella M. Reed . . 






, . 6 


Mary E. Beals . . 






. . 6 


Laura E. Fairbanks 






. . 6 


Sarah E. Nevan . 






. 6 


JulLa A. Meaney . 






. 6 


Annie M. Sproul , 






. 5 


Hattie A. Ransom 






. 5 


Annie Lincoln . . 






, 5 


Mary A. Matthews 






. 5 


Bethia A. Porter . 






. 6 


Lucy W. Phinney 






. 4 


Bethia A. Hutchinson , 




. 4 


Whole number . 






51 



L. Clara Holbkook, Teacher, 



Whole number embraced in the above schools 



2,111. 



Kev. HORACE D. WALKER, 
SAMUEL DYER, 
LEWIS E. NOYES, 

School Committee of Abington. 



CHAPTER VII. 

Agriculture and Horticulture. — Their State and Condition in 
Past Times and at the Present Time. 

In the commencements of new settlements, the first object 
is to supply the necessaries of life, — food and raiment, — and 
this is principally done by agriculture, or tilling the ground. 
In mineral districts, it is otherwise ; for minerals can be ex- 
changed for products to supply the wants of the body. There 
was nothing of this latter kind in this town to reward industry 
or supply the wants of living. The soil was naturally hard 
and rocky ; the older towns in the vicinity had a better choice 
of lands ; they were selected for agricultural purposes, and at 
a much earlier date. This town was made up of gores of 
land, shares, and cheap purchases. At its incorporation ia 
1710, the population might have been three hundred. (In 
1726, it was three hundred and seventy-one.) From that 
time (1710) to the period to which my recollection extends, 
(1790,) it had increased to fourteen hundred and fifty-three, — 
twelve hundred in eighty years, — averaging fifteen yearly. This 
long period was marked with great toil and many hardships ; 
for a great part of it, agriculture was the main support of the 
inhabitants. For this purpose the lands had to be cleared up, 
roads to be made, and buildings to be erected. Towards the 
close of it, however, and up to 1800, things began to be much 
improved ; the sale of lumber for ship-building had become 
quite extensive ; box-making, also, was extensively carried 
on ; the making of tacks and brads, by hand, employed many 
persons ; weaving for factories had commenced ; boots and 
shoes began to be manufactured in considerable quantities, as 
also many other manufactures, which will be noted here- 
after. 

These improvements gave quite an impetus to agi-icultural 
pursuits ; for they furnished means to extend them, so that the 

(71) 



72 AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE. 

products of the farming interest were greatly increased ; they 
became sufficient for the support of the inhabitants, and left a 
surplus for market, particularly of butter and cheese, young 
animals, as calves and lambs, poultry, mutton, beef, and pork. 

During this period many articles of produce were raised, 
which are not now ; flax and wool were among them. Almost 
every farmer had a field of flax and a flock of sheep. Flax 
and wool were made by hand into linen and woollen cloth ; 
and all wool cloths, and also cotton and wool cloth Avere made 
in the same way. These articles were so extensively made as 
to supply a great proportion of the inhabitants, male and 
female, with clothing ; and households, with linen and bed- 
clothes, and some with floor-carpets. 

Geese were kept in great numbers : scarcely a farmer 
was without his flock ; and many, who had no farms, kept 
them. They were raised for two purposes ; their bodies for 
the market, and their feathers for bedding. Besides what 
feathers they afforded when killed, they were picked Avhen 
alive for that purpose, generally twice in a year — the old ones 
sometimes three times ; the young ones always once, and fre- 
quently twice. Geese picking was quite a merry scene with 
children; the pickers were all covered with down and feathers. 
The geese, especially the old ones, were very spiteful : they 
would bite and strike with their wings. To prevent their 
biting, a stocking Avas pulled oyer their heads ; and to prevent 
their striking with their wings, the wings were locked over 
their backs. From such picking arose the name, " live geese 
feathers." This was done just as they began to shed their 
feathers, and the down had got to a considerable gi'owth ; so 
they were not left naked. Much care was taken not to pluck 
off" the large feathers under the wings, called " wing sup- 
porters," otherwise the wings would trail upon the ground. 

The wool, the flax and the cotton were all spun, wove, and 
made into cloth by female hands. Towards the close of this 
period, (from 1790 to 1800,) these operations were greatly 
facilitated by machines to card the wool into rolls ; and after- 
wards, cotton yarn, or factory yarn, as it was called, came 



AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE. 73 

into use for warps for cotton and wool cloth, and for all cotton 
cloth. This was a great improvement, as the carding and 
spinning of cotton by hand was a laborious process. Before 
these improvements, the process of making cloth was alto- 
gether by hand ; and a long time after, as respects woollen 
cloth. All those cloths, where wool was used, were dressed 
in fulling-mills, as they were called, and there were many in 
the State. At one time there were two in this town, and two 
sets of carding-machines for carding wool into rolls. 

To carry on these operations, hundreds of spinning-wheels 
and looms were constantly employed in town, operated by 
females — farmers' wives, daughters, and hired help. There 
was also a system regulating these operations : so many skeins 
of linen, seven knots to a skein, was a day's work ; four skeins 
of linen on the little spinning-wheel, done sitting, and tlie same 
number of skeins of wool, tow, and cotton, on the great wheel, 
done standing. 

These spinners and weavers were a merry set ; they gained 
much time in doing their day's work, and had fi'equeut social 
meetings. When at work, which was a mechanical operation, 
they were full of song and glee. Their minds were fi-ee for 
this, as their labor required but little exercise of the imder- 
standing and thought. There were no foreign females em- 
ployed in those days, nor for forty years after. The work was 
done altogether by American females. 

But in a few years after these dates, (about 1810,) all these 
manufactures were superseded by cotton and woollen factories 
on a larger and a ditFerent scale, operated by water and steam- 
power. The products of the earth, previous to tliese changes, 
however, were much greater, according to the ratio of popula- 
tion, than after. Industry began to find employment in manu- 
factures, at greater remunerating prices than could be obtained 
in agricultural pursuits. On this account, and the consequent 
high price of labor, farming operations have been gi-eatly 
depressed. Yet it must be conceded that agricultural and hor- 
ticultural products have greatly increased in the town by other 
means than profitable returns. The increase of population and 
7 



74 AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE. 

wealth has done much in these respects, without calculating 
returns. The division of land, very extensively, into small 
farms and gardens, has multiplied products greatly, not for 
market, but for home consumption. 

The cultivation of ornamental and fruit trees has been 
greatly extended ; flowers and floweinng shrubs are largely 
cultivated, Avith an abundafice of fruits, such as currants, 
strawberries, raspberries, &c., not to mention other fruits, as 
pears, peaches, quinces, grapes and tomatoes. These are 
esteemed as articles of luxury, and are not produced for sale. 
In former times the cultivation of these fruits could not be 
attended to, or only partially, as more substantial products were 
required for the support of the inhabitants and for market. 

On the other hand, there were formerly many products of 
the farm raised which are now almost entirely neglected ; 
among these, flax and wool have already been named. The 
making of butter and cheese has greatly fallen oflf", especially 
of the latter. Not one-tenth part, probably, is now made that 
was then. Neat cattle and swine are scarcely raised at all, — 
these being mostly purchased from drovers when young. 
Formerly none were purchased in this way. It is estimated 
that nine-tenths of all the corn and other grains consumed in 
town are from abroad, and a like proportion of the meats are 
from out of town. We do not even raise a supply of potatoes 
for our own consumption. 

The great contrast between the agricultural products of 
former times and those of the present time arises out of the 
change of circumstances. Then it was a struggle for mere 
subsistence. In the absence of almost all manufactures, tilling 
the soil was the main employment, and it was an imperious 
necessity ; otherwise tlie town could not have been settled. 
The inhabitants could not have been fed and clothed ; but by 
raising the articles above named, in connection with domestic 
manufactures, these objects were accomplished. 

At the present time, agriculture and manufactures go hand 
in hand, and are a support to each other ; but that the estab- 
lishment of manufactures here has been the occasion of ijreater 



AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE. 



75 



prosperity than would have resuUcd from attending mainly to 
agriculture, even if it had possessed a better soil, will be 
apparent if we compare this town, in which manufactures 
prevail, with those in the vicinity which are more exclusively 
agricultural. Whilst some of them have receded in popula- 
tion and valuation, this town has gone ahead surprisingly, and 
is the largest in population of any town in the county, and 
stands the highest in valuation. 

The following statistics of the agricultural products and neat 
stock of the town, as returned in the late United States Census, 
will give some idea of the amount, and at the same time afford 
data for comparing the amount of these products in former and 
present times. They will also show, as stated above, that 
many articles raised then are now entirely omitted. 
211 horses, SlOO each, $21,100.00 



367 milch cows, $30 each, 
54 working oxen, 850 each, 
99 other cattle, $20 each, 
27 sheep, $3 each, 

242 swine, . . . 



FARMING PRODUCTS. 

40 bushels wheat, $1.25 per bushel, 
184 bushels rye, 81, . 
2,977 bushels Indian corn, 81 per bush., . 
205 bushels oats, 50c. per bush., . 
5 lbs. wool, 60c. per lb., . 
7 bushels peas and beans, 82 per bush., 
3,798 bushels Irish potatoes, 50c. per bush., 

51 bushels barley, 75c. per bush., 
5,536 lbs. butter, 20c. per lb., 
1,570 lbs. cheese, 10c. per lb., 
881 tons hay, $18 per ton, 
5 lbs. beeswax, 50c. per lb., 
20 lbs. honey, 20c. per lb., . 
Value of animals slaughtered, . 



11,010.00 

2,700.00 

1,980.00 

81.00 

4,840.00 

841,711.00 

$50.00 

184.00 

2,977.00 

. 103.00 

3.00 

14.00 

1,899.00 

38.00 

1,117.00 

157.00 

15,858.00 

2.50 

4.00 

51,052.00 



873,458.50 



76 AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE. 

The foregoing schedule of stock and agricultural products, 
if carried out together, according to pi-esent prices, would 
amount in the gross to $115,169.50. 

This return was made out in the late census of the United 
States, not with a view to taxation or valuation, but to give in 
the aggregate some estimation of the stock and agi'icultural 
products of the nation. The valuation recently taken by the 
assessors of the town doubtless shows a very different result ; 
but as that is on record, it is not necessary to compare the 
two statements. In several small products stated above, there 
is quite a discrepancy. Twenty-seven sheep are returned, 
which probably is not one-quarter of the number, and only 
five pounds of wool. Twenty pounds of honey is returned, 
which, it is presumed, is not one-tenth part of the true amount. 
Four pounds of beeswax is named, which it would require 
the comb of more than one hundred pounds of honey to 
produce. 

Agriculturists were questioned as to their products ; some 
probably evaded answering, some guessed at it, and some 
under-i'ated the amounts ; all fearing, perhaps, that a true 
statement might lead to an inci'ease of their valuation, and 
add to their taxes. The butter returned Avould not be fifteen 
pounds to a cow, when, it is probable, it is twice that amount. 
So of the return of corn and potatoes ; the amount named 
must fall far short of the reality. The working oxen and 
other cattle, exclusive of cows, must be nearly double the 
amount returned. If it is intended to give a true account of 
the animals slaughtered, including those purchased out of town 
with those raised in town, the number is too small by half. 
One establishment (Vinson Blanchard's) returned the amount 
slaughtered by him at $28,000 ; and there are several other 
establishments which do a large business, but have made no 
returns. 

But notwithstanding these discrepancies, this return affords 
much information and data for comparing the past with the 
present. As stated above, there were many articles of pro- 
duce cultivated then which are not even named in the foregoing 



AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE. 77 

schedule, and, if named, the amount is so insignificant as not to 
be worth noticing ; some of which have ah'eady been named, 
as flax, sheep, wool, young cattle and swine, goats and geese ; 
and, from my own knowledge, may be added colts, domestic 
fowls, tobacco and flax-seed. As to, one leading article — 
cheese — returned, fifteen hundred and seventy pounds, some 
single dairies then made double that amount. 

This article formerly was a staple commodity of the town ; 
some farmers kept from twelve to twenty cows, and all farms 
were gtocked to the utmost extent in this way. The amount 
Avas doubtless over one hundred tons, two hundred thousand 
pounds, by three hundred farmers. This would average about 
six hundred and sixty-six pounds to each. This amount was 
for the market, exclusive of what was consumed by the farmer ; 
and at nine to ten cents per pound, Avould amount to about 
$20,000. 

Butter was made then, probably, triple in amount to what it 
is now, and many more cows were kept. 

There was more land cleared up for agricultural purposes 
in fifty years previous to 1810 than in the fifty years since, 
and it is even doubtful whether there was not as much land 
then improved for agricultural purposes as now. Much then 
cleared up has been sufiered to grow up for wood, and much 
is covered with bushes. 

Yet, as stated above, the value of farming products at the 
present time is much greater than formerly ; not for sale, but 
for consumption. This is owing to the increase of gardens, 
and a much higher cultivation of these and other lands. Fruits 
and vegetables are raised in great abundance, as also hay, 
which is one of the most profitable products of agriculture. 
Eight hundred and eighty-one tons is stated in the census, but 
the amount is probably more than fifteen hundred tons, worth, 
according to present prices, about $30,000. 

But according to present appearances, it seems that agricul- 
tural pursuits must be greatly increased. There is a surplus 
of labor, and sufiicient employment cannot be found. Excess 
of foreign immigration, and labor-saving machinery, have 
7* 



78 AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE. 

caused this. There must be a resort to farming, or there 
must be a large emigration from the town. The hinds in 
town are not, probably, more than one-quarter part cultivated, 
and are capable of great improvements. Here is a field for 
much labor, with promising rewards. A good market is at 
our doors, and good prices can be had ; a bushel of corn 
raised here is worth two bushels raised at the West, and 
other products are of like relative value. This is owing to 
the cost of transportation and commissions. To illustrate this, 
a story is told of two farmers travelling together in the West ; 
one a Western man, the other an Eastern. The Eastern 
farmer inquired of the Western what quantity of corn, on an 
average, was grown on an acre there, and Avhat was its worth. 
He answered, forty bushels, and worth ten dollars (twenty- 
five cents per bushel) ; and inquired in tui-n what was the 
average quantity, and its worth, at the East (Duxbury, Mass., 
for he was from there). He answered, twenty bushels, and 
worth fifteen dollars (seventy-five cents per bushel) ; one-third 
more than forty bushels at the West. 

In addition to all these products, one great leading article 
of consumption might be cultivated to great advantage, and 
that is wheat. I have seen it stated somewhere, that the 
whole West does not average over fifteen bushels to the acre. 
I have raised several hundred bushels in the twenty-five years 
past, and have received, according to my impressions, over 
one hundred dollars in premiums from the Plymouth County 
Agricultural Society, and no premium was given for a less 
quantity on an acre than twenty bushels. At one time I 
raised twenty-seven and a half bushels on one acre, and 
several other times something under tAventy bushels, for which 
I received no premium, it requu-ing twenty bushels for that 
purpose. 

By availing ourselves of the various modes of improving 
soils, and by a judicious use of the fertilizers discovered by 
chemical analysis, and other means, wheat might be raised 
sufficient for the consumption of the whole community, and for 



AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE. 79 

export. These improvements must take place in a few years, 
else labor must seek its employment elsewhere. 

There is another class of labor which is now much depressed, 
and ought to find better encouragement and better rewards, — 
and that is female labor. Many of the former female occu- 
pations are gone ; spinning and weaving, as formerly, are 
superseded by cotton and woollen factories ; braiding straw 
for bonnets is over ; binding and fitting of boots and shoes is 
almost done Avith. Sewing-machines have displaced much 
needle-work. Domestic work in families, by hired help, is 
principally done by a foreign class of females, and it is their 
principal support. Formerly this labor was done by American 
females. And now what remunerating employments are left 
to American females, and to many others ? Those who have 
sufficient to do in their own houses, or ia their fathers' families, 
are provided for ; but besides these, how are the wives without 
children, widows, and young and more advanced females, un- 
married, to find employment? These questions apply to the 
country at large, as well as to this town, and particularly to 
jur cities. I cannot answer them, and am astonished at their 
importance and magnitude. 

It is for the interest and welfare of tile whole community to « 
provide suitable and adequate labor for this dependent and 
numei'ous class. There are four thousand three hundred 
females in this town ; if we allow three thousand of them 
to be children, mothers and daughters that can be supported 
and employed at home, what becomes of the other one thousand 
three hundred, or even half of them ? As I have said just 
above, I cannot answer the question. I hope some suitable 
and profitable employment will be found for them. I can 
only, for this purpose, suggest the raising of silk-worms aud 
the manufacture of silks, the making of lace, ribbons, gauze, 
embroidery, children's toys, and other fanciful works. But 
men of capital must begin the work by providing the means ; 
planting mulberry trees, furnishmg the newly pi-epared flax, 
and suitable buildings. These efl'orts will come in aid of 



80 AGRICULTURE AND nORTICULTURE. 

agriculture. Let our farmers and others immetliately begia 
the work, by setting out mulberry trees on their vacant lands, 
ornamental grounds, and beside the roads. I, some years 
since, received twenty dollars premium for the cultivation of 
mulberry trees, having over eleven hundred growing at one 
time ; but the silk fever, as it was then called, died away, and 
many of the trees, for Avant of care, failed ; but quite a number 
survived, and are now among my ornamental and ilourishiug 
trees. 

There are, at this time, for our encouragement, two agri- 
cultural library associations in town : one at Centre Abington, 
the other at East Abington. The one at Centre Abington is 
composed of thirty-six members, paying five dollars each for 
membership ; annual subscribers pay one dollar yearly. They 
have between one and two hundred volumes of well-selected 
books on agriculture. The other association, at East Abing- 
ton, has about the same number of members and books as 
the one at Centre Abington, and is in a flourishing condition. 

The Plymouth County Agricultural Society has never been 
of much use to this town. It was incorporated in 1819. 
There wei'e two members named in the act of incorporation 
in Abington — Nathan Gurney and Jared AVhitman. In 1820, 
at the adoption of the act and the formation of the constitution 
and by-laws, there were five other original members, viz. : 
James Bates, Lebbeus Gurney, Seth Hunt, Benjamin King 
and Isaac Reed, making seven in all. Of this number only 
two are now living — Lebbeus Gurney and Jared Whitman. 
From that time to 1854, thirty-four years, six more only 
joined, among them Elihu Hobart in 1821, Benjamin Ilobart 
in 1838, Samuel Reed in 1851, and the others towards the 
last of this period, making thirteen in all. In 1854 and 1855, 
there were added forty-three, and up to 1857 five more, 
making the whole number which ever belonged to the Society 
from this town sixty-one, unless there may be two others who 
have joined since 1857. 

The large addition in 1854 and 1855, was owing to the 
exertions of the then President, (Benjamin Hobart,) the Vice- 



AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE. 81 

President, (Benjamin King,) and two trustees (Freeman P. 
Howland and Stetson Vaughn). The President and Vice- 
President were removed in 1856, and the two trustees soon 
after. There is now but one officer in town, Henry A. Noyes, 
who is one of the Trustees. At the commencement of 1854, 
there were in this town but seven members living that belonged 
to the Plymouth County Agricultural Society. 

Previous to the election of the President from this town, the 
awards of premiums to persons in this town annually were 
very small, — a few dollars only, — frequently not exceeding 
ten ; but during his Presidency they increased greatly, and 
amounted to between one and two hundred dollars yearly. 
Since his removal, they have fallen back to the old stan- 
dard. 

Here, it may be asked, "Why was this change ? Xo com- 
plaint was ever made against one of the officers in this town 
for dereliction of duty. I (I may as well speak under my 
own name as President,) was highly applauded by resolves 
unanimously passed at the very meeting of the corporation at 
■which I was superseded. The resolutions characterized my 
services as President, as able, faithful, and successful, (this is 
the amount ; I have not the words before me,) and they stand 
recorded in the records of the society. And further, as a very 
great compliment, I was, by these very Trustees, many of 
whom joined in my removal, at their very next meeting 
honored by their choosing me a member of the Massachusetts 
Board of Agriculture, whereof the Governor of the Common- 
wealth, His Honor the Lieutenant-Governor, and the Secretary 
of State, were members ex qffkiis, with three other members 
appointed by the Governor and Council, and one member 
from each Agricultural Society in the State. I declined the 
appointment, with the remark that if I was not qualified to fill 
the office which I held, I would not represent them in another 
and a higher office. 

I do not suppose that proceedings which appear to me so 
unworthy of gentlemen associated for the public good origin- 
ated in the society generally, but in a few of the leading 



82 AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE. 

officers in Bridgewater, with some few others in the vicinity. 
The great increase of members, and the influence Avhich the 
officers in this town began to have, seem to have excited 
unworthy feelings. They were rebuked in some of their 
measures ; and others not agreeable to them, but thought by 
other members to be for the general benefit, were carried out 
by the influence of the officers from here. 

If such proceedings are to characterize the County Society, 
it is very evident that the agi-iculturists of this town have not 
much to expect from it. In order that the members from this 
town may be able cordially to cooperate with the society, it 
must be governed by truly liberal principles. That society 
has become too much a town, — a Bridgewater society ; let it 
be so in name, if it is to be so in reality ; and let the inhabi- 
tants of Abington form a town agricultural society. The work 
has already been begim in the formation of two library asso- 
ciations. This town may, with its population, wealth, agricul- 
tural and horticultural products, and its energy, very soon, 
unless its character shall improve, rival the County Society, 
and go ahead, hand in hand, with the Hingham Society ; and 
it may soon be so with other town societies in the county. In 
this way the suggestions made above may be carried out, and 
improvements made such as will greatly advance the interests 
of farmers, and find employment for the great excess of labor 
in the town, and, more particularly, devise and provide some- 
thing for the employment of that large and interesting class of 
females named above. 

I may add something hereafter to the above chapter, espec- 
ially the last part of it. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Agriculture and Horticulture — Continued. 

In the last chapter I intimated that I might add some- 
thing more, by way of illustration, respecting the doings of 
the Plymouth County Agricultural Society, at their corpora- 
tion meeting in 1856, when they dismissed the President and 
Vice-President, residents of this town ; and besides these two 
officei'S, there M^ere at that meeting five others superseded, 
making seven in all, viz. : Horace Collamore, (Vice-Presi- 
dent,) Peter Salmon, Joseph Chamberlain, Abraham T. Lowe, 
and Austin J. Roberts, Trustees ; and there were two vacan- 
cies to be filled — one of them occasioned by the declining of 
the Hon. Aaron Hobart, of East Bridgewater, and one by 
death, the Hon. Seth Sprague, of Boston. The aggregate 
time of membership of the seven superseded was one hundred 
and forty-nine years. The seven elected in their stead were 
Charles G. Davis, President ; Barnabas Thatcher and George 
W. Bryant, Vice-Presidents, and the following Trustees : 
Albert Fearing, James II. Mitchell, Jesse Murdock, and 
Edwin II. Kingman, whose aggregate time of membership 
was fourteen years ; the President two years, one Vice-Presi- 
dent three years, the other one'year ; one Trustee five years, 
and the three others averaging one year each. There were 
two other Trustees chosen at that meeting, which supplied the 
two vacancies, viz., Spencer Leonard, Jr., of Bridgewater, 
and Nahum Snell, of West Bridgewater, their first election to 
that office. 

Thus it appears that the aggregate time of membership of 
the seven officers removed was ten times as long as that of 
those who superseded them. Individually it was thus: the 
President, Benjamin Hobart, had been a member eighteen 
years ; Benjamin King, Vice-President, thirty-six years ; 
Horace Collamore, the other Vice-President, twenty-six years ; 

(83) 



84 AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE. 

Trustees : Peter Salmon, thirty-six years ; Joseph Chamber- 
lain, nineteen years ; Abraham T. Lowe, seven years ; Austin 
J. Roberts, seven years. At the same time, also, they had 
served in the aggregate, as officers, fifty-three years : indivi- 
dually, Benjamin Hobart, eight years; Benjamin King, eight 
years ; Horace Collamore, fourteen years ; Peter Salmon, six 
years ; Joseph Chambei'lain, fourteen years ; Abraham T. 
Lowe, two years ; and Austin J. Roberts, one year. Whereas 
no one of those who superseded them had previously held any 
office, except the President, Charles G. Davis, Esq., vv^ho was 
chosen Trustee one year, next preceding his election to the 
Presidency. 

But besides the offices which they held when superseded, 
they had, which is of much more consequence, been large 
contributors to the society by the exhibition of stock, fruits 
and vegetables for premiums, and for claims of premiums for 
agricultural improvements and products ; made many reports 
of the success of their experiments, which were published in 
the transactions of the society, and printed in some of the 
State Agricultural Reports : had received several hundred 
dollars in premiums, and made many claims which received 
no premiums, bat which cost the claimants as much to make 
as those which did. Horace Collamore was a practical 
farmer, and made many experiments, and received, I should 
say, over two hundred dollars in premiums, and so it was 
with all the others removed, more or less. Joseph Chamber- 
lain, Abraham T. Lowe, and Austin J. Roberts, were quite 
large contributors to the exhibitions. In respect to myself, I 
am not disposed to say much. As near as I can estimate, I 
have received over three hundred dollars in premiums, and 
have spent twice that amount in expenses to obtain them. 
My services as President were laborious and expensive, and 
have been very trying. I found much opposition to many of 
the changes and improvements which I proposed, but finally 
they were carried out, and the result was highly approved. 

In view of these circumstances, it evidently appears that the 
great interest of agriculture, which it ought to be the leading 



GRICTJLTITRE AND HORTICULTURE. 85 

object of the society to promote, was not consulted in these 
removals and changes, but sectional and private views pre- 
vailed, not to say jealousy, at the success of the efforts of 
others. Contrast the long membership of those then put out 
of office, and their great expei'ience in farming, and the many 
offerings which they made and the rewards they received, with 
the brief period of those who took their places, not averaging 
over two years each ; and they were not farmers, nor had any 
pretensions as such, and never, to my knowledge, up to 1856, 
claimed or received any premiums from the society to any 
amount. 

Practical experience in agriculture is of slow growth ; but 
one experiment can be made in a yeai\ Two crops are not 
available annually of the great staples of the farmer. How 
important, then, is it for an agricultural society to avail itself 
of all the experience of its members. When the Hon. Morrill 
Allen, the model farmer, and the Hon. Seth Sprague, resigned 
the Presidency of the society, they were chosen Trustees, and 
served in that capacity for a number of years, and the former 
gentleman acted for a long time as Supervisor. In this 
way the society availed itself of their experience, but in the 
removal of the officers in 1856, not one was retained in any 
office. They were thrust out without knowing why. 

At the meeting of the society mentioned at the commence- 
ment of this chapter, another proceeding, and one of ques- 
tionable character, took place, though it is true it was not a 
new one, but had existed for quite a number of years. The 
proceeding alluded to is choosing officers, (Trustees particu- 
larly,) that would not generally attend the meetings of the 
society, and some that would not attend at all. This, whether 
designed or not, would give to the members in Bridgewater, 
and near by, in adjoining towns, the entire management of all 
the concerns of the society ; and this generally fell to the lot 
of four or five. As an instance of this, I would state that at 
that meeting Barnabas Thatcher, Esq., of East Bridgewater, 
a very respectable farmer, was chosen Vice-President against 
his express dissent to be a candidate, and said that he would 



86 AGRICULTDKE AND HORTICULTURE. 

not take the office, and, if chosen, would never attend to the 
duties (by virtue of that office' he would have been one of the 
Trustees), and he never did; and yet he was elected to 
the same office the next year, and never met with the Trustees 
on any occasion. Also at that meeting a very worthy gentle- 
man, and a distinguished pati-on of agriculture, was chosen a 
Trustee, — Albert Fearing, Esq., who resides in Boston, and is 
at the head of the Agricultural Society in Hingham. He 
became a member of the Plymouth County Agricultural So- 
ciety just previous to his election. The probability was that 
he would seldom attend, if ever, and would never take any 
active part in the concerns of the society. 

The question arises here, why were such changes made ? 
As stated before, it was not probably the doings of the society 
generally. Leaving out the feelings of those whom these 
changes set aside, were they favorable to the farming interests? 
It took the society by surprise ; generally there was no idea of 
a change. Many of the movers of this surprise were elected 
to office at that meeting. These proceedings were seconded 
by a few of the leaders at head-quarters, (Bridgewater,) where 
there was always felt to be an opposition to the efforts of those 
out of that town, who exerted themselves to bring about the 
improvements and changes in the concerns of the society, 
which all now approve. A Trustee, the year when these 
changes and improvements were going on, said to me, — "Why 
do the Bridgewater people show so cold a shoulder to our pro- 
ceedings? " And one of the leadng officers in that town, said 
to me, being put out at some of tlie proceedings of the chairman 
of the building committee, (Joseph Chamberlain, Esq.) — . 
" lie shall not be a Trustee another year ; " and it proved so. 
Another of the Trustees at that time, (Stetson Vaughn, of this 
town,) remarked to me, — " The Bridgewater folks want 
everything in their own way." I could enumerate many 
instances of opposition to me, coming from the same source, 
whilst I was exerting myself, as President, to build up the 
agricultural establishments there. This appears from the fact 
that, when urged to use my influence to have them at Abing- 



AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTU-RE. 87 

ton, or East Bridgewater, I gave my voice to have them at 
Bridgewater. 

The distribution of premiums is of very httle consequence 
to most of the towns in the county, as they are principally 
received in the town where the exhibitions are held, and a few 
of the adjoining towns. To show this, we need only to refer 
to their distribution for one or two years past. In 1854, the 
whole amount awarded in premiums by the Plymouth County 
Agricultural Society, was seven hundi-ed and seventy-five 
dollars and twenty-five cents ; of this sum, Bridgewater re- 
ceived nearly one-half — three hundred and nineteen dollars — 
which, with what the three other Bridgewaters received, 
amoimted to four hundred and ninety-eight dollars and fifty 
cents, which left for all the other towns in the county two 
hundred and seventy-seven dollars and twenty-five cents. 
Taking out Middleborough, another adjoining town, (one hun- 
dred and four dollars,) and there was left for all the other towns 
in the county, one hundred and seventy-three dollars and twenty- 
five cents. Abington received five dollars and seventy-five 
cents ; nine other towns received, on an average, less than five 
dollars each, and six other towns, the remainder, a little over 
one hundred dollars. Another example may be stated : In 
1856, the premiums awai'ded amounted to one thousand two 
hundred and fifty-eight dollars (omitting cents) ; Bridgewater 
received four hundred and twenty dollars, over one-third ; East 
Bridgewater, one hundred and sixty-two dollars ; North 
Bridgewater, one hundred and seventy-three dollars ; "VYest 
Bridgewater, one hundred and seventeen dollars ; Middle- 
borough, one hundred and twenty-four dollars. Thus, Bridge- 
water, with four adjoining towns, received nine hundred and 
ninety-six dollars — leaving for all the other towns in the 
county, two hundred and sixty-two dollars. Abington received, 
that year, ninety-two dollars (about half of it for equestrian 
display by ladies). Exclusive of this, one hundred and 
seventy dollars was left for all the rest of the towns in the 
county, and this was divided among fifteen other towns ; for 
eight of them, about three dollars each, and seven, twenty 



88 FIRST RELIGIOUS SOCIETY. 

dollars each ; and several towns received nothing. These are 
fair specimens of the distribution of the awards of premiums 
generally. 

There was an effort made in 1854 and 1855 to give Abing- 
ton a more full connection with the county society. Nearly fifty 
persons from this town joined the society in these years, to 
aid in the accomplishment of the good objects for the sake of 
which it was established. The effort appears to have proved 
a failure ; and unless a better spirit should come to prevail in 
the county society, the town must depend mainly upon an 
agricultural society of its own. The towns of Hanover and 
Hanson might be united with us for their advantage, but 
Abington is able alone to form and sustain such a society ; 
and I hope, as I have observed before, that efforts will be 
made to that effect, and that a town agi'icultural society will 
be formed. 



CHAPTER IX. 



Statistics of the First Religious Society. — Two First Ministers, 
Rev. Samuel Brown and Rev. Ezekiel Dodge. 

The statistical account of the first religious society in Abing- 
ton, prepared according to request, and handed to me by John 
N. Noyes, Esq., bearing his signature, is as follows : — 

March, 1860. — " The records of the First Church in Abing- 
ton were commenced in 1724 ; and but little can now be learned 
of its previous history. 

" In answer to a unanimous call, the Rev. Samuel Brown 
came to Abington to preach, December 8, 1711 ; but was not 
ordained until November 17, 1714. Tlio precise date when 
the church was organized is not now known, but was probably 
about the time of ordination. 

" The names of the male members in 1724, were as follows : 
Rev. Samuel Brown, William Hersey, Andrew Ford, William 




FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHUKCH, CENTRE ABIXGTOX. 



FIRST RELIGIOUS SOCIETT. 89 

Tirrell, EbenezerWhitmarsh, Joseph Josselyn, William Reed, 
Joseph Liucoln, Edmund Jackson, Samuel Porter, William 
Tirrell, jr., Samuel Pool, Micah Pratt, Samuel French, Daniel 
Pettiugale, Andrew Ford, jr., John Reed, Edward Bates, 
Nicholas Shaw, Samuel Noyes, Joshua Shaw : twenty-one. 
These signed the covenant with their own hand. The first 
eight were members at the founding of the church. There 
were also at this date (1724) twenty-five female members, — 
making forty-six. 

" The number of church members December, 1777, was one 
hundred and forty-five, — seventy-six males and sixty-nine 
females. From 1785 to 1812, I have not been able to find 
the number. In 1812, there were one hundred and fourteen : 
forty-nine males and sixty-nine females. This was after the 
formation of the church at South Abington. 

"August, 1813, the church at East Abington was formed, 
and several were set off from this church. At the commence- 
ment of Mr. Spring's ministry, January, 1822, the church 
numbered eighty-one : thirty-two males and fifty females. In 
1827, one hundred and twenty-four : thirty-seven males and 
eighty-seven females. In 1834, when Mr. Ward was settled, 
one hundred and forty-two ; fifty-two males and ninety females. 
In 1839, about fifty members left this church and formed the 
church at North Abington. In 1842, there were ninety-six 
members : thirty-five males and sixty-one females. In 1850, 
one hundred and eighteen : forty-eight males and seventy- 
females. In 1855, one hundred and twenty-five: forty-nine 
males and seventy-six females ; and now, in 18G0, one hun- 
dred and seventy-three : sixty-one males and one hundred and 
twelve females. 

" The first meeting-house stood in front of the old burying- 
ground, near where Mr. Samuel Brown formerly lived. It 
•was a small house, without steeple, bell, or pews ; benches 
being used for seats. This house was taken down in 1751, 
and a new one, seventy feet long, fifty wide, and twenty-six 
feet posts, was built some four or five rods south-westerly 
from where Hatherly Hall now stands. The third house, 
8* 



90 FIRST RELIGIOUS SOCIETY. 

(now Hatherly Hall,) was built in 1819, and was used until 
the present house was dedicated, August 31, 1849. The first 
house was used nearly forty years, the second sixty-eight, the 
third thirty, and the fourth since 1849. 

" Rev. Samuel Brown was pastor of the First Church until 

1749. He died September 19, the same year. Rev. Ezekiel 
Dodge, the next minister, was ordained May 23, 1750, and 
died suddenly June 5, 1770. Rev. Samuel Niles was ordained 
September 25, 1771, and died January IG, 1814. He was 
prostrated by a paralytic affection in November, 1811, from 
which time he was not able to attend to pastoral duties. Rev. 
Holland Weeks was installed August 9, 1815, and was dis- 
missed July 27, 1820. Rev. Samuel Spring, jr., was ordained 
January 2, 1822, and his connection was dissolved December 
20, 182G. Rev. William Shedd was installed July 1, 1829, 
and his connection was dissolved April 8, 1830. Rev. 
Melancthon G. Wheeler was installed October 13, 1831, and 
was pastor until September, 1833. Rev. James W. Ward 
was ordained May 21, 1834, and continued pastor until No- 
vember 23, 185G. Rev. F. R. Abbe was ordained September 
3, 1857, and is now pastor. Six of these were settled here 
for the first time, and three were installed. 

" Of the six ordained ministers, Mr. Brown was pastor thirty- 
eight years ; Mr. Dodge twenty ; Mr. Niles forty-two ; Mr. 
Spring five ; Mr. Ward twenty-two and a half; Mr. Abbe is 
now pastor, and has been so for about three years. Of the 
installed, Mr. Weeks was pastor five years ; Mr. Shedd one ; 
Mr. Wheeler two. 

" In one hundred and forty-eight years, there was no pastor 
for ten and a half years. 

" The first deacon was Ebenezer Whitmarsh, chosen Decem- 
ber 18, 1714, and died April 8, 1718. Joseph Lincoln was 
chosen February 17, 1716-17, and was voted out of office 
January 3, 1722-23. Samuel French was chosen in 1722; 
Edward Bates, March 25, 1727 ; Joshua Shaw, December 30, 
1735. Samuel Pool and John Noyes were chosen August 16, 

1750. Daniel Shaw and Eleazer Whitman were chosen 




HATHERLY HALIi, CEXTRE ABINGTON. 



riKST RELIGIOUS SOCIETY. 91 

some time between 1777 and 1779. Jacob Pool, Isaac Tirrell 
and David Torrey, some time previous to 1820 ; but at what 
dates I have not ascertained, the records being very defective. 
Edward Cobb and Richard Vining were chosen November 25, 
1823 ; Joshua King, Jacob Cobb and Joseph Cleverly, April 
1, 1840; Zadok Nash, June 1, 1855; John A. King, and 
J. L. Nash, assistant deacons, March 9, 1858. The four last 
named are now living. 

" The church records have been kept, so far as now ascer- 
tained, as follows : From 1724 to 1729, by Rev. Samuel 
Brown; from 1750 to 1769, by Rev. E. Dodge; some of 
these records are lost. From this time (1769) until 1822, 
tlie records are very much broken. There are some fragments 
from 1771 to 1774, and from 1778 to 1785. From 1804 to 
1807, there were some records respecting the singing diffi- 
culties, supposed to be by Rev. Samuel Niles. From 1812 to 
1815, records were kept by Deacon Torrey, Moderator, assisted 
by Luke Bicknell and Samuel Norton. During Rev. H. Weeks' 
ministry, there are no records until the commencement of the 
difficulties which resulted in his dismission. From this time 
in 1820 to 1822, Samuel Norton was Scribe ; then Mr. Spring 
to December, 1826 ; then Zibeon Packard to July, 1829 ; then 
Mr. Shedd to July, 1831 ; then Zibeon Packard to October, 
1831; then Mr. Wheeler to September, 1833- ; then Zibeon 
Packard to May, 1834 ; then Mr. Ward to September, 1837 ; 
then Zibeon Packard to January, 1841 ; then Mr. Ward to 
April, 1856 ; then Mr. Howland to January, 1858 ; and since 
then Rev. F. R. Abbe. 

" The first parish was composed of the whole town until 1808, 
and all parish business was done at town meetings with other 
town business. The first meeting, as a separate parish, was 
called March 22, 1808, by a warrant from Luke Bicknell, 
Esq., Justice of the Peace, and was notified by John King. 
Since that time the parish records have been kept separate. 
The number of members it would be difficult to ascertain, on 
account of the law which made all members who had not 
joined other parishes, or withdrawn from this previous to 



92 FIRST RELIGIOUS SOCIETY. 

1834. The present number, taking those who have joined 
with those under the old law, who act with us, is about 
seventy. 

" It was formerly the custom when a minister was called, to 
grant something as a settlement, or jointure, in addition to the 
salary. 

" Mr. Brown had for a settlement a farm of sixty acres, which 
cost £112. His salary was £48 the first year, to which £2 
per year was to be added until it reached £G0, and then £1 
until it reached £70, where it was then to remain. 

" Mr. Dodge had £111 2s. 2d. as salary and settlement for 
three years, after which he was to have £73 Gs. 8d. per 
annum. 

"Mr. Niles had £133 Gs. 8d. as a settlement, and £93 6s. 8d. 
(equal to ^311.12) salary. This was afterwards increased; 
so that Avhen the parish was separated from the town in 1808, 
he Avas paid $450, and, in 1810, $500. 

" In 1813, a call was extended to Rev. Sylvanus Holmes, of 
New Bedford, to settle as colleague with Mr. Niles. The call 
was concurred in by the parish, and a settlement of $500 
voted him, and $500 per year salary. Why he was not 
settled does not appear from the records. 

"Mr. Weeks was settled with a salary of $500 per year. 
Mr. Spring had $600 and house-rent ; Mr. Shedd and Mr. 
Wheeler each $G00 ; Mr. Ward, $700 ; and Mr. Abbe has 
$800 and parsonage. 

" John N. Notes." 

The foregoing account of the First Church and Society in 
this town seems to be very deficient, owing to the very great 
irregularity in keeping the records. As to the two first min- 
isters, there is but very partial information respecting them. 
As to all the rest, I have been cotemporary with them (with 
Mr. Niles, however, only about eighteen years after being old 
enough to attend to his ministry). In addition to the state- 
ment of Mr. Noyes, as far as it goes, I will make some 
collateral statements respecting the four fii'st ministers, and 



FIRST RELIGIOUS SOCIETY. 93 

this I shall do principally by quotations from the writings of 
their friends and from public documents, especially from 
Hobart's Sketch of Abington, and something may be added 
from tradition and recollection. As to those ministers who 
succeeded the four first, they are all, as far as I know, with 
one exception, living characters, and are known to the present 
generation. 

Mr. Brown was born at Newbury, in the County of Essex, 
September 5, 1687. He took his first degree at Cambridge 
in 1709, and came to Abington to preach, as before stated, 
December 8, 1711. Little is known of his private character, 
but by tradition. That represents him to have been a man 
of benevolent, though quick temper; of respectable intellectual 
endowments, and, in literary attainments, upon a level with 
the clergymen in general of his day. In his religious senti- 
ments he might be considered a moderate Calvinist, with an 
inclination to Arminianism. From some of his sermons in 
manuscript, he seems to have thought it a more important 
concern how we live than what we believe. His style of 
writing was plain and strong, though sometimes coarse and 
inelegant. During the first and greater part of his connection 
with his people, Mr. Bi'own's labors appear to have been use- 
ful and acceptable. 

About five years before the end of his ministry and life, 
serious difficulties arose between him and a portion of his 
church and society. June 11, 1744, there was a church- 
meeting to consider certain charges against the pastor, re- 
specting doctrines delivered by him in public and private. 
Mr. Brown explained to the satisfaction of a great majority 
of the church. At a church-meeting, August 31, 1744, an- 
other set of charges was preferred against Mr. Brown, and he 
and the church desired to join in calling a council to decide 
upon them. The request was acceded to, and a council finally 
agreed on, to consist of delegates from two of the three follow- 
ing churches, probably selected by Mr. Brown, viz. : Second 
Church in Scituate, First in Hingham, and First in Wey- 
mouth ; and two from the three following, selected by the 



94: rmsT religious society. 

dissatisfied brethren : First Church in Attleborough, Second in 
Wrentham, and the church in HaHfax. Which four of these 
churches were agreed upon, does not appear. The charges 
were, errors in doctrine ; — admitting into his pulpit clergymen 
not friendly to the great and soul-humbling doctrines of the 
Gospel — arbitrariness in church meetings and church govern- 
ment — and lying. At the appointed time the council met, and 
cleared the pastor of all said matters of charge. 

This result did not prove satisfactory to the opposition, or 
restore harmony. The minority of the church, consisting of 
the dissatisfied brethren, and constituting over one-third of the 
members, absented themselves from church meetings and the 
communion, and finally, at an organized meeting of their own, 
voted the pastor out of his office. This course of proceedings 
was thought so iri-egular and disorderly, as to require animad- 
version. Accordingly the church and pastor proceeded to call 
a council to meet August 22, 1749. This council probably 
met, and possibly another called by the minority ; but the 
records are defective, and the result is not known. Whether 
anything done by them, or any proceedings or occui-rences con- 
nected with their meeting, had any influence with Mr. Brown, 
is uncertain. He seems, however, to have perceived a wide 
and impassable gulf between himself and a portion of his 
people, which must put an end to his future usefulness as 
their minister ; and therefore proposed to ask a dismission on 
the following terms, viz. : — That the town should pay him, 
annually, during life, 8100, old tenor, besides exempting him 
and his estate from taxation, and join him in choosing arbi- 
trators to decide what was due him on account of arrears of 
salary. 

Mr. Brown therefore asked a dismission in the following 
words : — 

" Brethren of the Town : — In consideration of the difficul- 
ties which attend my continuance in the work of the ministry 
among you, I desire you would grant me a dismission there- 
from. 

" Samuel Brown." 



FIRST RELIGIOUS SOCIETT. 95 

Mr. Brown's death took place in nineteen days after his 
agreement with the town to ask a dismission, August 31, 
1749. He died, as before stated, September 19, 1749, at the 
age of sixty-two. The triumph of the opposition, if it was 
such, seems to have been very short. The opposition to him 
was unworthy of the objectors, and was persevered in un- 
reasonably, and characterized by violence and disorder. 

It is greatly to the credit of Mr. Brown that nothing appears 
to have occurred in his long difficulties with a portion of his 
church, to impair, in any important degree, his moral and 
religious character. 

Mr. Brown, like many other clergymen of his day, was in 
quite extensive practice as a physician, both in town and out. 
He was also extensively employed in drawing wills, deeds, and 
other writings. 

For his first wife, he married Dorothy Woodbridge, October 
24, 1712, by whom he had a son, named Woodbridge, born 
in 1714. She died in April, 1718 ; and the next February he 
married Mary, the daughter of Matthew Pratt, of Weymouth. 
By her he had several children, but they all died young. 
After his death, his widow married Josiah Torrey, Esq. His 
son, Woodbridge Brown, was for many years a popular and 
leading man in town. He represented the town in the Legis- 
lature for fifteen years. He was a delegate to the First Pro- 
vincial Congress at Salem, October 5, 1764. To the Second 
at Cambridge, February 1, 1775. He was also one of the 
delegates of this town for a Plymouth County Congress, which 
met at Plymouth, September 27, 1774. 

During Mr. Brown's ministry of thirty-eight years as above, 
there were added to the church, consisting at its foundation 
of eight male members, two hundred and seven persons — of 
whom ninety-three were males, and one hundred and fourteen 
females. In 1742, there were forty-one admissions. The 
whole number of baptisms was five hundred and twelve. 

The posterity of Mr. Brown is quite numerous in this town 
and vicinity, and in many other towns at a distance. His son 
Woodbridge was the only child of his who ever lived to grow 



96 FraST RELIGIOUS SOCIETY. 

vip. lie died in 1783, in his seventieth year. He had four 
SODS — Samuel, Josiah, John, and Joseph. Samuel lived on 
the old homestead, near which the first meeting-house stood. 
John (Brown) lived in East Bridgewater ; the other two in 
Ahington ; he had two daughters, Abigail and Dorothy. 
Abigail married Deacon Eleazer Whitman, of Abiagton. 
He died in 1807, aged ninety-one. His wife died in 1814, 
also aged ninety-one years. Dorothy married Eleazer Bates, 
and left one son — Josiah. They have all long since deceased. 
The sons cf Samuel Brown, the grandson of the minister, 
were four — Woodbridge, Samuel, Daniel, and Enoch ; and 
his daughters were four — Mehitable, Sarah, Dorothy and 
Mary. Mehitable married the late Ephraim Whitman, father 
of Jared Whitman, Esq. Sarah married James Nash. Doro- 
thy, John Reed. Mary, the only one now living, married 
John Pool, Esq., of Easton. She is now about eighty years 
old, and her husband, still living, is about ninety. The de- 
scendants of Minister Brown probably exceed one hundred. 
A memorial of the genealogy of the Brown family would be 
quite interesting. I have only naaned a few of them, most of 
whom I knew. If a memorial was prepared, it might appear 
hereafter, Avith others, if they are furnished. 

Mr. Ezekiel Dodge, the second minister of the town, re- 
ceived a call February 23, 1750, to settle over the church and 
society, and accepted the same, his salary and settlement to 
be as stated above. His ordination took place May 23, 1750. 
On that occasion the Introductory Prayer was made by 
Rev. John Angier, of East Bridgewater ; Sermon, by Rev. 
Mr. Gushing, (supposed,) of Shrewsbury ; Charge, by Rev. 
Mr. Eells, of Scituate ; and the Right Hand of Fellowship, by 
the Rev. Mr. Baily, of Weymouth. 

Mr. Dodge's ministry furnishes but few materials for re- 
marks. From beginning to end great harmony prevailed 
between him and his charge. There were no important 
differences, and therefore no controversy between them about 
doctrines, nor were there any councils ever called to settle 
differences in church affairs. 



FIRST RELIGIOUS SOCIETY. 97 

In 1751, the practice began, which still continues to some 
extent, of requiring of persons propounded for admission to 
the church a relation of their religious experience. The vote 
of the church was that it be expected of those who offer them- 
selves to our communion, that they give some account of their 
faith, and the reason of their hope. 

Mr. Dodge, the son of Jabez Dodge, w^as born April 21, 
1723, in that part of Ipswich now the town of Manchester. 
His father removed to Shrewsbury, in the County of Wor- 
cester, fi'om whence the son entered college at Cambridge, 
■where he graduated July, 1749. 

Mr. Dodge was much beloved and respected by bis people, 
and deservedly so, as he possessed, in an eminent degree, all 
those qualities of head and heart, which merit confidence and 
esteem. He was mild, amiable, and conciliatory in his temper 
and manners : prudent and circumspect in his conduct as a 
man, and especially so in discharging the various, and often 
delicate and embarrassing, duties of the ministerial office. If 
he had enemies, they were few, and tradition has not told us 
who they were. 

As a divine, he was learned, pious and exemplary. His 
religious tenets were the Calvinism of his day. To these he 
adhered with the zeal and firmness of a sincere believer in 
their truth. At the same time he was tolerant of the opinions 
of others, who, after diligent and honest inquiry for the truth, 
would not see as he saw, or believe as he believed. Knowino- 
that mankind were to be judged by their works, he was more 
disposed to regard and value the fruits of morality and piety, 
manifesting themselves in the lives and conversation of his 
people, than their professions and declarations. 

He was diligent in his calling. Besides performing all the 
other duties of his office with punctuality in a large parish, he 
composed, in the course of twenty years, over one thousand 
sermons. Many of them are still extant ; but owing to his 
peculiar manner of abbreviation, and inattention to chiro"-- 
raphy, they are mostly illegible. He also wrote an interesting 



98 REV. SAMUEL NILES. 

Journal, extending through the whole period of his ministry. 
Only a small part of it has been preserved. 

Mr. Dodge died suddenly of apoplexy, June 5, 1770, as 
stated above, in the forty-eighth year of his age. His wife 
was Mary Goddard, of Sutton, by whom he had (beside 
several children who died young) Mary, born Feb. 7, 1754, 
who married Rev. Samuel Niles ; Mehitable, born Feb. 13, 
ITGO, who married Nathaniel Gushing, Esq., of Pembroke, 
now Hanson. Several of her children are now living : Elijah 
Gushing, a son of hers, still lives on the old homestead where 
she lived and died. He also left a son, Ezekiel Goddard, 
born April 18, 1765. He settled at Thomaston, Maine, 
where he practised medicine. Before Massachusetts and 
Maine separated, he often represented that town in the 
Legislature. 

In another chapter some further remarks and extracts may 
appear, respecting the other ministers of the first society, par- 
ticularly Mr. Niles, and Mr. Weeks. And some further items 
may be added respecting that long standing and very respec- 
table society, where many of our ancestors, relatives and 
acquaintances, and some now belonging to other societies in 
town, used to meet and attend public worship. 



CHAPTER X. 



Rev. Samuel Niles, the Third Minister of the First Religious 
Society. 

In addition to what was said in the last chapter respecting 
the Rev. Samuel Niles, a more extended notice of him seems 
to be required. Mr. Niles' ancestors were highly distinguished 
for their talents, professions, and longevity. He descended in 
the third degree from Gaptain Nathaniel Niles, who died in 
Braintree, in 1727, aged eighty-seven. His grandfather, the 



REV. SAMUEL NILES. 99 

Rev. Samuel Niles, Avas born on Block Island, R.I., May 7, 
1673 ; graduated at Cambridge in 1699, and was ordained at 
Braintree in 1711. lie continued in the ministry over fifty 
years. Pie was married three times ; by his first wife, who 
was the daughter of Rev. Peter Thacher, of Milton, he had, 
among others, Samuel, the father of the Samuel of whom we 
are now speaking. He was the author of quite a number of 
works. In 1745 he composed and published "A Brief and 
Sorrowful Account of the present State of the Churches in 
New England." In 1747, "God's wonder-working Provi- 
dence for New England in the reduction of Louisburg (poetry) : 
1752, "A Vindication of divers Gospel Doctrines, and the 
Teachers and Professors of them : " 1757, " The True Doctrine 
of Original Sin stated and defined, in Answer to a Treatise on 
this Subject. By John Taylor, of Milton." 320 pages, 8vo. 
Besides these, Mr, Niles (the graudfather) composed a History 
of Indian "Wars, Avhich has been published in one of the 
volumes of the collections of the Massachusetts Historical 
Society. He died May 5, 1762, aged eighty-nine years. 

His son, Samuel Niles, jr., father of the late Samuel Niles, 
the subject of our remarks, graduated at Cambridge College, 
in 1731. At his death, it is believed he was the oldest sur- 
viving alumnus of that institution. He died April 30, 1804,- 
aged ninety-two. He held many distinguished offices. For 
several years he j-epresented his native town (Braintree) in 
the General Court ; was a Judge of the Court of Common 
Pleas for the County of Suffolk, then including Norfolk ; was 
one of the twenty-eight councillors, Avho, before the State Con- 
stitution was formed, exercised the executive powers of gov- 
ernment. Towards the close of his life, he removed to 
Lebanon, Connecticut, into the family of his son Jeremiah, 
where he died. In 1739 he married his cousin Sarah Niles, 
of South Kingston, Rhode Island, by wliom he had Nathaniel, 
Samuel, Jeremiah, Sarah and Elizabeth. His oldest son, 
Nathaniel, brother of Samuel, graduated at Princeton College, 
1766. He was one of the first settlers of West Fairlee, 
Vermont, where he died in 1828, aged eighty-eight. He 



100 KEY. SAMUEL NILES. 

sustained many offices of public trust ; he was Judge of the 
Supreme Court, and Lieutenant-Governor of Vermont, and 
member of Congress. 

Rev. Samuel Niles, of Abington, son of the preceding 
Samuel, was born at Braintree December 14, 1745, as before 
stated. After the usual course of preparation under the Rev. 
Mr. Dodge, his predecessor, he entered college at Princeton, 
New Jersey, and graduated in 1769. He devoted himself to 
the ministry, and accordingly studied divinity, first under 
Mr. Dodge, and afterwards 4inder the Rev. Dr. Joseph Bel- 
lamy, of Bethlem, Connecticut. Not long after be was 
licensed to preach, he received and accepted a call to settle in 
Abington, where he was ordained, September 25, 1771. 

Mr. Niles continued in tbe pastoral office forty-two yeai's, 
and ably and faithfully performed the duties thereof, until he 
was prostrated by a paralytic affection in November, 1811. 
He was not so paralyzed as to be deprived of consciousness. 
His power of speech was quite gone ; he could only articulate, 
in a broken manner, one or two words at a time. His phys- 
ical powers, however, were not all lost ; he was able to Avalk 
out occasionally, with some help, and rode out in pleasant 
weather ; recognized his friends, shook hands with them cor- 
dially, and seemed to wish to do them service. I recollect 
visiting him once, and taking tea at his house. He was sit- 
ting in his chair, and received me very cordially, anxious 
that I should be helped to a seat, and at the tea-table that I 
should be properly attended to. The appearance was that his 
vigor of mind Avas unimpaired ; and that except from the 
paralysis of the organs of speech, he would have been able to 
converse with his former fluency. He called at my house 
sometimes when he rode out. On one occasion when he called 
(it was soon after I had a small woollen factory burnt down) 
sitting in his chaise, he looked towards the ruins, lifted up his 
hand, and with a sad countenance uttered these words : " All 
gone, all gone, gone." He seemed to sympathize with me, 
feelingly, at my loss. He apparently, in some measure, real- 
ized his situation, and expressed a resignation to it. He used 



EEV. SAMUEL NILES. 101 

frequently to say, " All is done, all done, all right, all right." 
He continued in this distressing situation until January 16, 
1814, when he died, in the sixty-ninth year of his age. 

Mr. Niles was a man of strong mind, powerful intellect, 
and commanding presence. When he appeared, levity and 
profanity were silenced. He was highly respected and revered. 
The influence of his example and instructions was extensively 
felt, not only in this town, but in other towns in the vicinity. 
His presence awakened in the children, the youth, the middle- 
aged and aged, affection and reverence. He had a powerful 
influence in forming the moi*als, modes of thinking and man- 
ners of the inhabitants of this town ; and his influence is felt 
to this day in many of our families, associations, and religious 
establishments. The character and fame of the town were 
greatly enhanced by his high standing and attainments. But 
I will let others — his cotemporaries — his brethren in the min- 
istry, speak of him. The Rev. Dr. Jonathan Strong, of 
Eandolph, who preached his funeral sermon, in an obituary 
notice of him published in the Fanoplist, April, 1814, thus 
speaks of him : — 

" As a man Mr. Niles was peculiarly interesting and 
agreeable. In conversation he was pleasant, without levity, 
facetious, without malignity, and serious, without austerity. 
He was thoroughly acquainted with the principles of human 
nature, and quick to discern the motives by which different 
characters in society are governed. As a friend, he was dis- 
tinguished for confidence and fidelity. His breast was a 
cabinet in which the secrets of others might be locked as 
safely as his own. Though not affluent, his house was a 
mansion of hospitality. No man ever better enjoyed his 
friends, nor more sincerely sought to make them comfortable 
and happy. Although, owing to particular circumstances, he 
was not a man of the most extensive reading, yet he possessed 
very superior powers of mind. Very few better understood 
the art of thinking, or profited more by it. His ideas were 
clear in liis own mind, and were generally expressed with 
9* 



102 KEV. SAirUEL NILES. 

uncommon perspicuity. A fair specimen of his talents may 
be seen in a work Avbich he had nearly completed for the press 
when arrested with the paralytic shock before mentioned. 
This work has since been published. It is entitled ' Remarks 
on a Sermon preached before the Association of Ministers, in 
the Third Congregational Society in Middleborough, Septem- 
ber 26, 1810, by John Reed, D.D., Pastor of the First Church 
and Congregation in Bridgewater' (now West Bridgewater). 
In these remarks, the talents of the author for metaphysical 
discussion are strikingly displayed. It is believed that no 
candid reader, after examining, will hesitate to acknowledge 
that he was thoroughly conversant with the abstruse parts of 
theology. 

" Mr. Niles' manner of preaching was peculiarly plain and 
luminous, solemn and impressive. By the friends of truth he 
was loved and admired, and no person could hear him with 
indifference. His object was to search the consciences and 
hearts of his hearers, and to make them feel, in some measure, 
as they will when standing before the tribunal of the final 
Judge. Nor did he always fail of success. The profound 
silence and deep solemnity frequently discovered by his audi- 
ence, evinced that impressions were made which could not be 
easily effaced. 

" "With respect to his prayers, it may with propriety be 
said, that they were uncommonly full of thought, pertinent, 
comprehensive, fervent, solemn and impressive ; and often 
produced a powerful effect on those who had opportunity to 
unite with him before the throne of mercy. At such seasons 
he sometimes appeared to be raised above all earthly scenes, 
and permitted to look within the vail." 

In a letter from the Reverend and very aged Dr. Nathaniel 
Emmons, of Franklin, written September 11, 1832, to the late 
Hon. Aaron Hobart, of East Bridgewater, author of " An 
Historical Sketch of Abington," the doctor says of Mr. Niles, 
" The Father of Spirits endowed Mr. Niles with superior 
intellectual and reasoning powers. I rarely was acquainted 



REV. SAMUEL NILES. 103 

with a man who in my opinion possessed a stronger and 
clearer mind, and who would penetrate deeper into the most 
abstruse subjects of ir.ental philosophy as well as natural and 
revealed religion. He had a clear and profound knowledge 
of the truth, connection, harmony and consistency of the first 
principles and essential doctrines of Christianity, which quali- 
fied him to become one of the most instructive and poAverful 
preachers I ever heard. His sermons were not superficial, 
but full of great and weighty truths, which not only com- 
manded the serious and eager attention of his hearers, but 
deeply impi'essed their hearts and consciences. No man, 
whether learned or unlearned, whether a lover or hater of the 
truth, could sit under his preaching Avith levity or indifference. 
His grave and dignified appearance in the pulpit, in connec- 
tion with truly genuine eloquence, could hardly fail to strike 
the largest audience with awe and reverence, and to render 
him one of the most popular preachers of his day. He was 
intimately acquainted with himian nature, and could render 
himself agreeable in his common intercourse with all classes of 
people ; but he was more especially entertaining in private 
circles, by the flashing of his wit, and his various amusing, 
striking and pertinent anecdotes. He could, however, turn 
with peculiar case and propriety from social to the most 
serious subjects, and converse very seriously and instructively 
upon doctrinal and experimental religion. On all proper 
occasions his speech was seasoned with the salt of Divine 
grace, and suited to strengthen the weak, console the discon- 
solate, and animate the most growing Christian. I will only 
add one more rare and shining trait in his. character. He 
was one of the most undisguised, frank, and faithful friends I 
ever knew. He Avas an Israelite indeed." 

Mr. Niles' manner of preaching was pecidiar to himself, 
and was different from almost all his contemporaries. He 
used no notes, and his sermons were not written. He deliv- 
ered them extemporaneously, and usually one text answered 
for both the forenoon and afternoon discourses. At the close 
of most of his sermons, to illustrate and enforce them, he 



104 REV. SAMUEL NILES. 

quoted, in a solemn manner, some striking passage of Scrip- 
ture. For example, when his subject was trust and submission 
to the will of the Lord, to close, he repeated the 17th and 18th 
verses in the 3d chapter of Ilabakkuk, — " Although the fig- 
tree shall not blossom, neither fruit be in the vines, the labor 
of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat ; the 
flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd 
in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the 
God of my salvation." When speaking of the particularity 
of Divine Providence in all events, he would quote, in closing, 
from the first book of Kings, 34th verse, — " And a certain 
man drew a bow at a venture and smote the King of Israel 
(Ahab) between the joints of the harness ; " and the subse- 
quent fulfilment of the prophecy of Elisha, — " So the King 
died at even, and the blood ran out of the wound into the 
midst of the chariot, and one washed the chariot in the Pool 
of Samaria, and the dogs licked up his blood." The 
announcement was, — " Thus saith the Lord, in the place 
where dogs licked the blood of Naboth, shall dogs lick thy 
blood, even thine." 

Mr. Nilcs incorporated in his discourses and prayers much 
of Scripture language, as thus, — " The growth of an hair, the 
fall of a sparrow, are constituent parts of the great whole, not 
less essential than the rise and fall of empires. Nothing is 
done in vain ; the straying of an ass prepared the way for 
Saul, the son of Kish, to be crowned King over Israel. 
Childish dreams (Joseph's) led on to most stupendous scenes. 
Ilaman exults whilst preparation was making for his exhibition 
on a gibbet. The proud King of Babylon is turned out to eat 
grass like an ox, and Pharaoh and his host are drowned in the 
Red Sea." In his prayers, also, he interwove much Scrip- 
ture. In almost every one he used the expression, — " Blessed 
be God." In alluding to His Omniscience, he would say, — 
" Thou art perfectly acquainted, O" God, with every thought, 
intent and purpose of the hearts of all thy creatures in the 
universe." In noticing the deaths of young and vigorous 
persons, he would use the words of Job, — " One dieth in his 



REV. SAMUEL NILES. 105 

full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet. His breasts are 
full of milk, and his bones are moistened with marrow. And 
another dieth in the bitterness of his soul, and never eateth 
with pleasure." " Crushed before the feeble moth," " this is 
a dying world." Some of his remarks were very sententious. 
"When speaking of death, he would say, — " The time when, 
the place where, the circumstances under which we must all lie 
down and die, are perfectly known unto God." 

Mr. Niles left only two sermons in print, and a charge at 
an ordination, and no sermons in manuscript. One of the 
sermons was delivered at Abiugton, February 22, 1800, on 
the death of George Washington, and one before the Massa- 
chusetts Missionary Society in Boston, May 26, 1801. The 
charge was at tlie ordination of the Rev. Seth Stetson, in 
Plymouth, July 18, 1804. I accompanied Mr. Niles on 
that occasion. Had Mr. Niles published a volume of his 
sermons and polemical discourses, he would have been much 
better known, and held in much higher repute by the present 
generation ; but faint remembrances of them are now pre- 
served, and in only a few minds. 

After his death the association of ministers in Plymouth 
County sent a committee to his widow, of which the Rev. Dr. 
Jonathan Strong, of Randolph, was chairman, to examine his 
papers and manuscripts, to see if a publication could be made 
of any qf his writings or sermons. This was found to be 
impossible, as he never was in the habit of writing out any 
of his discourses or sermons. In his early settlement he used 
to make some notes of the heads of his discourses, but not in 
his latter years. He was in the habit, as he onc6 said to me, 
of selecting his text after the close of his services on one 
Sabbath, for the next Sabbath, and study it over during the 
week ; and the most lucid time for study was when he was 
riding on horseback in the evening. 

Mr. Niles interested himself much in political aifairs. He 
was a Republican of the Old School, and supported the 
administration of Jefferson and Madison. He was not, how- 
ever, ultra in his politics — he respected the right of private 



106 REV. SAMUEL NILES. 

judgment ; and although tenacious of his own opinions, he 
never permitted differences in regard to them, to separate him 
from his friends and supporters, or interrupt a cordial and 
friendly intercourse with them. He was honored by the town 
as their delegate to the convention at Boston, in 1788, to act 
on the ratification of the Federal Constitution. He repre- 
sented the town in the State Legislature four years in 
succession: 1808 — 1811. 



CHAPTER XI, 



Eev. Samuel Niles, Third Minister of the First Keligious Society. 

[^Concluded. '\ 

It may not be amiss, by way of illustration, to instance 
something of the mode of Mr. Niles' argumentative and 
raietaphysical reasoning. I had much intercourse with him in 
my collegiate days : was much interested in his remarks and 
sayings Avhen quite a youth : he visited quite frequently at my 
father's house. He delighted much in advocating his views, 
and never knew when to leave off when engaged in contro- 
versy. He had but few opponents in his society ; among 
them were the late Dr. Gridley Thaxter, and David Gloyd. 
The latter removed to the State of Maine before Mr. Niles' 
death. Mr. Niles remarked to me that he was one of his 
most able opponents. I raised many objections to Mr. Niles' 
doctrine. The doctrine of decrees was one prominent subject 
of discussion. Mr. Niles remarked, that my objection to 
decrees was that it fixed events, and asked me if I did not 
believe God foreknew all events. I answered in the affirma- 
tive ; as otherwise I saw I should limit the Holy One. He 
replied, that foreknowledge fixed the certainty of the event as 
absolutely as a decree, for it would not be foreknown unless it 
was certain. I was silenced, not satisfied. One of his 



REV. SAMUEL NILES. 107 

objectors, above named, when brought to this test of fore- 
knowledge, (as Mr. Niles informed me,) said " he did not 
believe that God foreknew all future events." He had no 
other way to get over the argument, and would not give up 
his disbelief of the doctrine. I answered, if this doctrine 
(of decrees) was true, it was practical. "Without stating his 
metaphysical reasonings, to prove, as he asserted in his sermon 
on the death of Washington, — " Man is a free controlled 
agent," I will state his idea of the practicability of the 
doctrine. " Suppose," says he, " there are two armies about 
to engage in a bloody contest: one is a Christian army, and 
the other an infidel army ; but if the infidel army is victorious, 
Christianity is extirpated. The armies are commanded by 
two able generals ; but as the onset is about to*commence, we 
will suppose further, that there is a single mote floating about 
in the universe, or atmosphere, under no decree or fixed place : 
it will be as likely to fall in one place as another : it may fall 
into the eye of the Christian general, and put it out ; in con- 
sequence of which, the general, through suffering and pain, is 
disabled in his command, the Christian army is defeated, 
and Christianity extirpated from the world." The inference 
was, if one thing was left without being fixed, and such 
consequences might follow, how dreadful would be the result 
if all things were left imfixed. 

As an illustration of the effect upon my mind of Mr. Niles' 
doctrine of decrees, I must ask to be excused for relating the 
following anecdote : As I went to a canal in the back part 
of my garden, where the water ran rapidly, to get a pail of 
water, the reflection struck me, it is decreed you shall get just 
such a quantity of Avatcr, and just so many particles. I stood 
some time over the running stream, musing, that the water 
which I was to take had not yet come along ; blit finally 
dipped up a pailful, with this reflection, — now it was decreed 
from eternity that I should get this precise quantity of water, 
and no other. I turned it back, with the reflection that it was 
not decreed that I should have that precise pailful ; but the 
thought came that it was decreed that you should turn it back. 



108 REV. SAMUEL NILES. 

This answer seemed to come too late : it was after the event. 
I finally dipped up my pail of water, and was led to this 
reflection, — If it was decreed that I should get this precise 
quantity of Avater, and not another particle, there must have 
been an infinity of decrees about this pail of water. Water 
is a fluid ; and this quantity of water may have been, yea, 
must have been, in myriads of different places. Some of it 
might have passed through the heart of Julius Ca3sar ; may 
have sparkled in a diamond on the finger of Cleopatra, and 
been parts of millions of human bodies, and of innumerable 
animals, trees and plants ; and so of all other quantities and 
particles of matter. And what was the use of all this decree- 
ing ? Only that I should have a pail of water to wash my 
face and hands. This seemed to be an unsatisfactory answer. 
Another pailful would have answered the same purpose. The 
idea that the laying, position and change of every particle of 
matter is the result of a Divine decree from eternity, seemed 
to be preposterous, and left a vacuity in the mind, as do the 
terms " infinite space," and " eternity of time." It seemed to 
me that there must be some general laws regulating material 
substances, even to the smallest mote ; and that gravitation, 
attraction and adhesion may be some of these laws. 

In connection with such reasoning, I will state an anecdote, 
which Mr. Niles related to me. "Dr. John Reed, (named in 
the first part of this communication,) said to me, in regard to 
my doctrine, — ' Mr. Niles, you can demonstrate your doc- 
trines to be true, but they are not.' " Mr. Niles said he was 
astonished at the remark, and asked him to explain. The 
doctor said many things could be mathematically demonstrated 
to be true, when they were not. It can be demonstrated that 
matter is infinitely divisible, which is not true, for nothing of 
infinity can be predicated of matter. " Can you conceive," 
says he, " of anything that is so small that it cannot be 
divided? if not, matter is infinitely divisible." But the 
theorem which he relied upon mainly to prove his assertion 
was, that a straight line and a circle would never coincide, 
but as the circle was enlarged, it would approach nearer and 



REV. SAMUEL NILES. 109 

nearer to a coincidence. To illustrate the proposition, draw a 
straight line at any imaginary length, say ten, ten thousand, 
or ten millions of miles, and draw a circle one inch in 
diameter, setting one foot of a compass one-half inch from the 
straight line, so that the periphery of the circle may just 
touch it ; move the standing foot of the compass the smallest 
distance possible, and describe another circle as before, and 
you approach nearer to a coincidence with the straight line as 
you enlarge the circle ; so, by enlarging it, you divide matter 
betwixt the circle and straight line, and this you may do ad 
infinitum, dividing matter at each removal of the foot of the 
compass, and yet a straight line and a circle will never coin- 
cide ; therefore matter is infinitely divisible. I shall make 
no remarks on such reasoning as to its truth or fallacy ; I 
only state it to show a specimen of the metaphysical reasoning 
of former times. 

During Mr. Niles' long continuance in the ministry, there 
was great coi'diality and harmony betwixt him and his church 
and society. Towards the last part of it, however, there was 
some interruption to this state of peace, occasioned by what 
has been called the "singing difficulty." The difficulty arose 
from a difference of opinion as to the right of appointing 
choristers to lead the singing in public worship. The church 
claimed the exclusive right to appoint them. The town, then 
forming the legal body of the parish, claimed the same right. 
In consequence of this, two sets of choristers were appointed 
to that office — one by each party. The controversy continued 
for several years. It finally came to an outbreak, February 
23, 1806. On the Lord's day, the two leaders, with their 
choirs, took separate seats in the gallery ; a hymn having been 
read, as usual, for the purpose of being sung, two diffei'ent 
tunes were named by the two choristers of the respective 
parties, and the hymn sung by both at the same time. The 
discord and confusion which this gross act of irreverence in 
the house of God occasioned, were truly distressing. The 
audience sat mute with astonishment. Mr. Niles left the 
pulpit, and walked out of the meeting-house, with his wife, 
10 



110 REV. SAMUEL NILES. 

who had fainted in his arms. The audience, however, kept 
their seats, except two or three, who stepped out into the 
broad aisle, — one, a young attorney, with pencil in hand, to 
take note of individuals among the singers, as disturbers of 
the peace. This state of suspense did not last long. Mr. 
Niles .returned, and entered the pulpit, and delivered his dis- 
course. I was present on the occasion, and have ever 
considered it a providential leading that the people did not 
also retire from the house. The excitement would have been 
much greater, and the consequences much more serious. Mr. 
Niles from that time dispensed v^^ith singing as a part of public 
worship, until the dispute was settled. 

These contentions and difficulties, from their rise to their 
close, continued for a number of years, and were exceedingly 
distressing, and subversive of the peace and quietude of the 
town. There were a great many church meetings and town 
meetings connected with this controversy. The deacons of the 
church were sent, by a vote of the church, to consult the 
Judges of the Supreme Court, in respect to the right of 
the church to appoint the choristers, without any suit or 
question of law being before them. They called on the judges 
at their boarding-house in Dedham, where they were holding 
their courts. They, of course, would give no opinion out of 
court. I recollect that one of the deacons reported to the 
church that one of the judges remarked to him, " that 
churches were known in law, and had certain rights." This 
was a strange application, and showed a great want of knowl- 
edge of legal proceedings. Complaints were brought before 
the Grand Jury at the Court in Plymouth, against some of the 
singers for a breach of the Sabbath, and many witnesses were 
summoned before them, but the complaints were never 
prosecuted ; there were no decisions made by the Court, and 
all complaints were finally withdrawn. All parties began to 
be tired, if not ashamed, of the controversy. During its 
height, almost every individual in town, and even children, 
took sides, and became exceedingly bitter against each otlier. 
All association and visiting between the opposite parties was 



REV. SAMUEL NILES. Ill 

suspended. They were called Noyesites and Jenkinsltes, after 
the names of the two leading choristers. 

In the excitement, a vote was passed in a town meeting, to 
divide the town into two towns, and a committee agreed on 
to draw the dividing line. The whole trouble arose at first, 
from a very small affair, Avhich was about time in the per- 
formance of church music ; whether the movement should be 
a little quicker or a little slower. This brought up the 
question of the right of appointing choristers, betwixt the 
town and church. The town was in favor of the fast time, 
the church of the slow. 

In this collision of the two bodies, Mr. Niles was placed in 
a very unpleasant situation. He was accused by the favorers 
of fast singing to be in favor of the other side. He, however, 
manifested great prudence and impartiality in the controversy, 
but did not escape censure. As a specimen of the deep 
excitement of the times, and to show the difficulty of his 
position, it may be stated, that a lady of intelligence and of 
good standing, the mother of a large family of children, (Mi'S. 

S ,) in an excited moment, said of Mr. Niles, — " He 

went up into the pulpit with the Bible vmder his arm, and the 
devil in his heart." Mr. Niles called on her afterwards ; she 
apologized for her hasty speech, and a reconciliation took 
place. 

On account of these party divisions, Mr. Niles, as he 
remarked to me, was much embarrassed in his preaching. 
He was constantly accused of being pointed in his sermons, 
and of alluding to the town's party. He said he took all pains 
possible to avoid anything of this kind. 

There were great exertions made to settle these difficulties 
by individuals in and out of town, and by the church. A 
singing-master was agreed upon as an umpire, to decide upon 
the time or mode of singing ; but he, unfortunately, instead 
of taking middle ground betwixt the two extremes, favored 
the slow mode of singing. The partisans of that mode were 
accused of tampering with him, and the other side fell from 
their agreement. Sermons were preached by neighboring 



112 KEY. SAMUEL NILES. 

ministers in allusion to this subject. I recollect one discourse 
by the Rev. Jacob Norton, of Weymouth ; his text was, — 
" For the divisions of Reuben, there were great thoughts of 
heart." It has occurred to me, at times, that there was 
something of that hallucination which led, in former times, to 
the persecution of individuals in Salem, for witchcraft. 
Reason seemed to be banished, and passion and prejudice to 
reign triumphant. As time passed away, however, the 
excitement began to abate, and an agreement between the 
church and town was entered into, — simply, " that the church 
should nominate candidates for choristers, and if any one was 
rejected by the town, in their parochial capacity, another 
should be offered ; and so on, until a choice should be made 
by the election of the same by the town." 

Another event which took place about this time (1807) was 
quite distressing to Mr. Niles, — a separation of a part of his 
church and society, to form a new society in the south part 
of Abington. This was the breaking up of many old associa- 
tions, and interrupting a long course of intimacy. Mr. Niles 
felt this change deeply, and wished it might not happen in his 
day. I recollect well, that as soon as it was known by him 
that my father, Col. Aaron Hobart, favored this move, he, 
with his wife, made us an evening's visit, and took tea. He 
expressed much anxiety to avert the move ; was sad, lost his 
usual good cheer and vivacity, and, I might add, his appetite. 
He was aware that, if my father and my brother, Aaron 
Hobart, jr., did not approve of the proposed movement, it 
might be delayed for some years, and used many arguments 
and persuasions to induce them not to favor it. I recollect 
one, — which Avas to construct a new road from the south-east 
part of the town, directly across Mill-pond Meadow, so called, 
to his meeting-house. This would have made a saving of one- 
third of the travel to meeting from this part of the town. 
My father answered, that the time had come for a change ; 
that he and his father, with their families, had attende.i 
meeting there for about one hundred years ; — distance, three 
miles, — six in going and returning, — travelling far enough, 



REV. SAMUEL NILES. 113 

allowing three persons to attend each Sahbath during that 
period, for one person to travel around the globe four times, 
besides attending meeting on lecture, Thanksgiving, and Fast 
days. He was willing to invest a portion of his estate in a 
meeting-house for the benefit of his children. From this 
interview, Mr. Niles was convinced the project would succeed. 
The number, at first, who seceded, was small, many holding 
back from attachment to Mr. Niles. A union Avith quite a 
number of the inhabitants of East Bridgewater helped the 
movement. 

Mr. Niles had eight children, — Samuel, who died in 
infancy ; Mary Dodge, Sarah, Clarissa, Elizabeth, Mehitable, 
Samuel, and Laura. Mary Dodge married Joseph Torrey, of 
Hauson ; had one son, who died in infancy. She left no 
children. Sarah married Jacob Dyer, and had four children : 
Ezekiel Dodge, Samuel Niles, Mary Dodge Niles, and 
Nathaniel Niles. Mrs. Torrey and Mrs. Dyer are both 
deceased. Samuel N. Dyer had three children. Mary D. N. 
Dyer married Gladden Bonney, and had eight children and 
two grandchildren. Mehitable was married, resides in Ver- 
mont, and has no children. 

Mr. Niles' descendants are very limited : only two of his 
daughters had any children that lived to grow up ; his grand- 
children were twelve, and there are two great great grand- 
children. 

In closing these remarks respecting Mr. Niles, it may not 
be amiss to allude to the situation of his children, now residing 
together on the old homestead. There are four of them, — 
Elizabeth, Clarissa, Samuel, and Laura. It is now over 
forty-six years since their father's death, (their mother lived a 
few years longer,) and they have lived during all this time as 
a united family. Their father died insolvent ; paid about 
seventy cents on a dollar. He left a mortgage on his estate of 
a lai-ge amount due to the town of Abington : he always paid 
tlie interest during his life-time, out of his limited salary, 
Avhich drew hard on his means of living. There was paid on 
this mortgage, principal and interest, over three thousand 
10* 



114 REV. SAjrUEL NILES. 

dollars. Two thousand six hundred dollars of this sum was 
paid bj Clarissa and Elizabeth ; four hundred dollars was paid 
to the town by its taking wood, and some meadow land. The 
two thousand six hundred dollars was paid solely by the earn- 
ings of these two daughtex'S, principally by keeping school. 
They may have had some little help from their other sisters, 
Mehitable and Laura. They have sold considerable of their 
real estate, (about one thousand dollars worth,) for their 
support. They are in debt now about one thousand dollars. 
If the estate is worth four thousand dollars, which I consider 
a high estimation, the whole amount left for the three 
daughters, composing the family, will be about one thousand 
dollars to each. Samuel has no property, and has, for the 
forty-six years since their father's death, been provided for 
and supported principally by the hard earnings of his sisters. 
Had it been otherwise, as their brother is an invalid, the 
expense must have ine\ itably fallen upon the town. Estimat- 
ing the expense at one hundred dollars per year, (and it 
would have been over that, including interest,) this has made 
a difference in the town's expenses of about five thousand 
dollars. The aged ladies are now embarassed ; have to exert 
themselves beyond their strength to maintain the family. 
They take boarders for this purpose, which brings much care 
and labor upon them. I called there a few weeks since, at 
about ten o'clock, a. m., and the oldest sister (over eighty) 
was out in the fields gathering greens for dinner ; and when 
she came into the house, apologized to me for leaving the 
room, as she must attend to preparing dinner. Her sisters, 
also, were busy ; and all looked feeble and overtasked. At 
this time, also, they were distressed, the collector having just 
called on them, as he had often done before, with his bills for 
unpaid taxes, amounting to about one hundred and thirty 
dollars. They knew of no way to pay hifti, and feared that 
he might take personal property, and sell it. He preferred to 
take real estate, as that would, as it is supposed, be less dis- 
tressing to them.* 

* Since the above was written, Clarissa and Elizabeth have 
deceased. 



KEV. HOLLAND WEEKS. 115 

In view of these circumstances, I should certainly be in 
favor of relinquishing their taxes. If there are objections to 
this, as there is a debt of a considerable amount justly due 
to them from the town, some other way ought to be adopted 
by the town to be just and liberal towards them. If aid 
cannot be extended to them in this way, I hope some other 
method will be adopted by individuals or associations to relieve 
them from their embarassments. This would not only be a 
kind act to them in their declining years, but an expression of 
grateful remembrance of their honored father, Avho labored 
faithfully and ably during all his active life, for the best 
interests of the generations now mostly passed away, among 
whom were many of our dearest relations and friends. 



CHAPTER Xn. 

Rev. Holland Weeks, Fourth Minister of the First Religious Society. 

The fourth minister of the First Religious Society was 
Rev. Holland Weeks. 

In speaking of him, I shall refer, mainly, to documents 
already published ; and especially to his trial before an eccle- 
siastical council, on account of a change in his religious senti- 
ments after his instalment ; quoting some of the allegations on 
the part of the church brought against him, and also from the 
doings and report of the council, and from statements of Mr. 
Weeks before them, respecting his new views. 

It has already been stated that Mr. Weeks was installed as 
pastor, August 9, 1815 ; he was a gi'aduate of Dartmouth 
College in 1795. He continued in the ministry until 1820, 
when, in consequence of a change in his doctrines, he was 
requested by his church and society to ask a dismission ; he 
did not choose to comply with this request, but proposed a 



116. REV. HOLLAND WEEKS. 

mutual council, which was agreed to ; and the council met 
July 26, 1820, at the meeting-house in Centre Abington. 

The council was composed of the following members, agree- 
ably to letters missive from the Rev. Holland Weeks, pastor, 
and a Committee of the First Church of Christ in Abington, 
viz. : — from the church in Franklin, Rev. Nathaniel Emmons, 
D. D., pastor, and Deacon James Metcalf, delegate ; from the 
church in Attleborough, Rev. Nathaniel Holman, pastor, and 
brother Daniel Babcock, delegate ; from the First Church in 
Dorchester, Rev. Thaddeus Mason Harris, D. D., pastor, and 
Rev. brother Paul Jewett, delegate ; from the First Church in 
Dedham, Deacon Samuel Fales, and brother Samuel Haven, 
delegates ; from the Fourth Church in Bridgewater, (now North 
Bridgewater,) Rev. Daniel Huntington, pastor, and brother 
Perez Southworth, delegate. 

The council was formed, and the Rev. Dr. "Worcester having 
been mutually chosen by the church and pastor, was requested 
to take his seat as Moderator. The Rev. Mr. Huntington was 
chosen scribe, and the Rev. T. M. Harris, D. D., assistant 
scribe. The Rev. Otis Thompson communicated the records 
and votes of the church and parish relative to their doings, 
preparatory to the calling of this council, and aided them iu 
their investigation. 

Assembled at the time and place as above stated, the 
council were in session two days, and spent the time in a 
patient investigation of the subject submitted to them, till they 
came to their final report, which was quite lengthy. That 
portion of it, however, which relates to Mr. Weeks' new doc- 
trines, and his defence of them, and their final conclusions, are 
as follows : — 

" In the allegations exhibited on the part of the church, 
against the Rev. Mr. Weeks, and which are referred to in the 
letter missive, as ' certain difficulties which had been specified,* 
it was stated, ' we believe you have adopted sentiments iu 
divinity different from those you professed to believe at the 
time of your settlement, and so far embracing the system of 



REV. HOLLAND WEEKS. 117 

Emanuel Swedenborg, as to be subversive of the fundamental 
principles of tlie gospel, calculated to introduce error and 
delusion, and tending to licentiousness and vice ; and that 
in a number of instances of late you have preached false 
doctrines.' Reference was then made to certain specified 
sermons ; and several doctrines or opinions, alleged as advanced 
or held by Mr. Weeks, were mentioned in distinct articles. 

" Mr. Weeks answered to these allegations with a very 
becoming deportment, and with a highly commendable readi- 
ness and frankness. Such of his sermons as were called for, 
he advanced ; such portions of them as were desired he read ; 
and with respect to no point of inquiry did he show any dis- 
position to conceal, or to embarrass. 

" He admitted explicitly that he had adopted sentiments in 
divinity diiferent from those which he professed at the time of 
his settlement ; that he had embraced the system, scheme, or 
doctrines of Emanuel Swedenborg, in as far as he had read 
and understood them ; that he had read several of the principal 
works of that wi-iter, and that he had no reason to think that 
be should disapprove of any part of his system or sentiments ; 
and that he believed he had said, and he was still free to say, 
that ' previous to reading the writings of Swedenborg, he now 
considered himself to have been a very unprofitable preacher, 
because, pi'ior to that, he did not understand the spiritual or 
internal meaning of the Word.' 

" In the same frank and explicit manner, in answer to other 
allegations and inquiries, he made also the following particular 
avoAvals, viz. : ' That he does not hold the generally received 
doctrine of the resurrection of the body at the last day ; but 
believes that every person immediately after death rises or is 
clothed with a spiritual body, and that this is what he under- 
stands by the resurrection. That he does not hold the gener- 
ally received^ doctrine of a last day, and a universal judgment ; 
but believes that at the close of each of the successive dispen- 
sations, there is a general judgment of all who live under that 
dispensation. That he does not hold the doctrine of three 
persons in the Godhead ; but believes in a trinity subsisting in 



It's REV. HOLLAND WEEKS. 

Him in whom dAvelleth the fulness of the Godhead bodily ; a 
trinity, consisting of Divine love or the Father, Divine wisdom 
or the Son, and Divine operation or the Holy Spirit. And 
that he believes, as stated in the seventh of the forty-two pro- 
positions, published by the committee of the New Jerusalem 
Church in London, ' that the doctrines universally taught by 
the Old Church, (by which is meant the general body of pro- 
fessing Christians, in distinction from the New Jerusalem, or 
New Church — to which church he would consider all spiritual 
men as virtually belonging,) particularly the doctrines respect- 
ing three Divine persons, the atonement, the justification by 
faith alone, the resurrection of the material body, «&;c., are 
highly dangerous to the rising generation, inasmuch as they 
tend to ingraft in their infant minds principles diametrically 
opposite to those of the New Church, and consequently hurtful 
to their salvation.' That he holds that all prayer should be 
directed to Christ as God, clothed in a Divine body and a 
human form. That he believes that, as ' the earth abideth 
forever,' the sun and moon will continue to rise and set as they 
do now to all eternity. That he is expecting, and has for years 
been expecting, a new or further revelation. That he believes, 
as stated in the thirty-second of the forty-two propositions, 
published by the members of the New Jerusalem Church at 
Great East, London, ' that there is not a single genuine truth 
remaining in the Old Church but what is falsified ; ' — and, also, 
as stated in the thirty-ninth and fortieth of said propositions, 
' that now is the second advent of the Lord, which is a 
coming, not in person, but in the power and glory of the 
spiritual sense of His holy "Word, which is Himself,' and 
' that this second coming of the Lord is effected by means of 
His servant, Emanuel SAvedenborg, before whom He hath 
manifested Himself in person, and whom He hath filled with 
His spirit to teach the doctrines of the New Church by the 
Word from Him ; ' — that he has read Swedenborg's Treatise 
' On the Pleasures of Insanity Concerning Scortatory Love,' 
and finds nothing in it, which, as he understands it, he dis- 
approves ; but that it cannot be rightly understood, except in 



KEV. HOLLAND WEEKS. 119 

connection with the preceding treatise ' On Conjugial Love,' 
which is considered by Swedenborg as eminently pure and 
holy, in distinction from Scortatory Love, which he condemns 
and would restrain. 

" The admissions and avowals now recited, comprise all the 
important points of doctrine distinctly specified in the allega- 
tions of the church, and all concerning which Mr. Weeks was 
particularly inquired of before the council. 

" Though Ave would not advance an opinion relative to these 
sentiments, derogatory to the Christian character of the Rev. 
Mr. Weeks, or of any who honestly maintain them ; believing 
that they may be received by their advocates in a constructive 
sense more favorable to the interests of truth and piety, than 
that which presents itself most obviously to us ; yet we deem 
it our sacred and indispensable duty to declare our opinion, 
that the writings and sentiments in question, according to the 
interpretation which they generally receive, are anti-scriptural 
and dangerous. 

" For the reasons now brought into view, and also because 
we consider the adoption of the Swedenborgian system as a 
virtual renunciation of this church, and all disclaiming the 
principles of the New Jerusalem Church, we deem it expedient 
that the connection between this church and their pastor, the 
Rev. Holland Weeks, be dissolved. 

" The council have not come to this result without serious 
and prayerful deliberation ; and we would in conclusion ex- 
press, with great tenderness, our Christian regards towards 
the Rev. Mr. Weeks, — with devout prayers that the spirit of 
unerring wisdom may guide all his researches after truth and 
duty, and enable him, wherever Providence may cast his lot, 
to acquit himself to Divine acceptance." 

In connection with this I will add an extract from a letter 
which I received nearly forty years since from Mr. Weeks : — 

«' Hendersok, N. Y., April 19, 1823-67. 
" My Dear Sir: — It has ever been my intention to write to 
you since I came to this place. My children have often asked 



120 REV. HOLLAND WEEKS. 

me why I did not write to you, and expressed a wish that I 
would do it. I have as often said, I meant to do it soon. 
Whatever may have been the occasion of this delay, it has not 
been a disposition to treat you with the least degree of neglect. 
My coming with a family into this new place, has, of course, 
been attended with a multiplicity of cares. Having a house 
to build, and a farm to stock and cultivate, has necessarily 
taken much of my attention. As it will be your wish to know 
something concerning my circumstances, both temporal and 
spiritual, I will take the liberty to give you a brief statement 
of both. As the temporal are of minor importance, but 
necessary in subordination to the spiritual, I will, in the first 
place, give you the outlines of them. My farm is one hundred 
and twenty acres, the best of soil, more than one-third of it 
under improvement, in the centre of the town. My house is 
better than the one I had in Abington, fiuished and painted 
inside and out, with a cellar under it thirty-eight by thirty, 
bottomed with a rock as smooth as polished marble, eight and 
a-half feet below the sills of the house, with a perennial spring 
in the part of it near the foot of the stairs, with a natural 
trench to carry off the water. My barn and sheds are equal 
to three such barns as that I owned in Abington. The farm 
is stocked with oxen and cows, and sheep and swine, and 
poultry and horses. I owe no man anything, except a trifle to 
some of the mechanics. I have cash in hand fifty dollars, and 
notes on interest sixteen hundred dollars, besides a lot of new 
land in Vermont of one hundred acres. The quarterly com- 
mission on the business of the post-office, is Avorth to me some- 
thing. My family consists of only myself, and my son, and 
four daughters, with the occasional addition of hired help to 
work on the farm." 

It seems, by the above statement, that Mr. Weeks was not 
left destitute in his temporal concerns when he was dismissed 
from his pastoral office, but a better home was prepared for 
him than he had here ; and this seems to have been the 
result of the leadings of a remarkable Providence, as the 



REV. HOLLAND WEEKS. 121 

following statement of Edwin Buruliara, Esq., Mr. Weeks* 
sou-in-law, in connection Avith an extract from a letter of 
Mr. W. to his children, will show : — 

Letter of E. Bumliam, Esq. 

"Chicago, III., May 3, 1864. 

" It was while my beloved father-in-law, Holland Weeks, 
was a Congregational minister, (at Pittsford, Vt., I think,) iu 
the year 1803, that he was visited by his brother-in-law, 
Mr. Jesse Hopkins, who was agent for the sale of lands for 
Mr. Henderson, a large landholder, and whose name was 
given to the town of Henderson in Jefferson County, N. Y., 
where his lands were mainly located. Mr. Plenderson resided 
in the city of Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Mr. Hopkins was resident 
agent in the then newly settled town of Henderson, N. Y., a 
remote forest country on the border of Lake Ontario — a then 
far-off, border country, where wild lands were only one dollar 
per acre, and slow sale at that. My father-in-law always 
loved a fine horse — never could tolerate a sloio one. At the 
time of Mr. Hopkins' visit he owned a beautiful one, which 
Mr. Hopkins so much admired and desired, that he offered 
Father Weeks a deed of one hundred and twenty acres of land, 
which he would select for him in Henderson, in exchange for 
his beautiful horse. Father Weeks said, (afterwards,) ' I had 
the impression, at the time, that it might be a place for a home 
in my evening of life. It proved so.' 

" The exchange of the horse for the land was accepted and 
made ; and seventeen years afterward, when dismissed from 
the old church in Abington, and finding no other means open 
for a support for his family of five motherless children, he 
removed from Abington to Henderson, late in the autumn of 
1820, Avith means enough to erect a comfortable house upon 
the land, so long before provided by Divine Providence for a 
' home in his evening of life.' 

" I enclose to you a letter, written by him eighteen years 
afterwards, in which he alludes to this subject." 
11 



122 EEV. HOLLAND WEEKS. 

Extract from Mr. Weeks' Letter. 

"Henderson, N. Y., October 8, 1838. 
" My Dear Children : — Your esteemed favors, all dated in 
September, came to hand on the 6tli instant. I thank you for 
your kind offer of affording me a home with you at Deti'oit. 
It may be the case that some time hereafter I shall come. At 
present it seems to be my duty to remain where I am. I have 
something to do, by which I can not only do good by subserv- 
ing my own necessities, but by protecting and nourishing the 
little flock in this vicinity. * * * The door began to be 
opened for ray coming here as long ago as 1803 ; when I 
bought my place in Henderson, I had the impression at the 
time, that it might be a place for a home in my evening of 
life. It proved so. The Lord was pleased to provide for me 
and my children, when other means would be withheld. It 
was not quite sufficient ; and so I had the post-office provided 
for me, imtil the spriug, Avhen the last of my children was 
otherwise provided for. I have now some remaining neces- 
sities, and a calling provided by the Divine Providence, by 
which nearly half of my living can be obtained. The de- 
ficiency is supplied by the interest of what is due for my place. 
The Lord has known what would be my wants, and has 
always provided precisely in proportion to my necessities. 
When I needed more, I had more ; and when I needed less, I 
had less. No miracle has been wrought. The provision has 
been in the ordinary way, in connection with the use of means. 
The manna has been given from heaven ; but it had to be 
gathered by little and little, from day to day. Our Father in 
the heavens has given me day by day our daily bread. It has 
been as it was with the sons of Israel in the wilderness : ' He 
that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered 
little had no lack. They gathered every man according to his 
eating.' — Ex. xvi. 18. * * *. • 

" I am, yours, very truly, 

"H. Weeks." 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Eev. Holland "Weeks, Fourth Minister of the First Religious Society. 
l^Concluded.'] 

It may reasonably be supposed, that after perusing what 
precedes in regard to Mr. Weeks, my readers will be desirous 
of some more information as to the causes which led a man 
filling so important a place in the church as Mr. W. did, and 
of such very respectable abilities, to adopt sentiments so dif- 
ferent from those in which he had previously been, and which 
he had previously taught, as are tliose of the New Church. 
As I am fortunately provided with the means of gratifying 
such desire of information, it appears to be my duty to furnish 
it. I find in the Ahington Standard of September 5, 1856, the 
following letter of Mr. W,, in which he gives to a friend a 
somewhat circumstantial history of the mental experience con- 
nected with his change of sentiments. 

A Letter from the late Rev. Holland Weehs to James Jewett^ 
Iliddlehury, Vt. 

"Henderson, September IG, 1822. 
'•'•My Dear Sir: — Your acceptable fiivor of November 30, I 
received with pleasure on the 14th instant. Your jiroposed 
correspondence I accept, with the hope that it will tend not 
only to our mutual edification, but to those important uses in 
our respective spheres which shall be subservient to the 
interests of the Lord's kingdom. For one who professes to 
be ignorant of the rules of grammar, I tliink you may well 
take courage as a writer of letters. You need make no 
apologies ; the sentiments communicated are the principal 
things. It is much better to exhibit goods and truths without 
grammar, than to exhibit the finest specimens of grammar 
and rhetoric without goods and truths. A further interview 

(123) 



124 REV. HOLLAND WEEKS. 

with you would have been agreeable. "When I come to 
Middlebury again, I hope my time will be less limited, and 
that both of us will have made so much progress in the regen- 
erate life as to render our interviews still more desirable, and 
interesting, and profitable. 

" Your religious experience I should have been pleased to 
have heard you relate. I am of the opinion that many in the 
Old Church have a saving religious experience ; though there 
are few of them who can tell in what the life of religion con- 
sists. The reason is that darkness has covered the earth, and 
gross darkness the people ; their hearts, wherever they have 
had genuine Christian experience, are better than their heads. 

" I am more prepared to have charity for many in the Old 
Church, in consequence of what I experienced myself when I 
was one of its members. Thirty-eight years ago, Avhen I was 
sixteen years old, 1 obtained a hope of having obtained through 
the mercy of the Lord, by regeneration, a saving interest in 
Christ. From that time, until about four years since, I was 
in favor of the Calvinistic doctrines. Twenty-four years I 
preached these doctrines with increasing zeal. Nor do I 
recollect that I ever doubted as to the truth of them aU that 
time. 

" Inasmuch as you have desired me to state the occasion 
of the change of my sentiments, I shall proceed to make a 
brief statement. There were many things in the Divine 
Providence which led me by degrees to where I am ; some 
remote, and some proximate, though unthought of at the time, 
by myself, as liaving such a tendency. One was my having a 
sight of one of Swedcnborg's books, which I read for about 
two hours, twenty years ago. I found it in the hands of Rev. 
B. Woodward, of Wolcott, in Connecticut. It appeared to 
me to be a most wonderful pi'oduction. How to account for 
its existence, I could not determine to my own satisfaction. 
Observing nothing in it which appeared incorrect, I found 
afterwards that a curiosity remained Avith me to know more 
about it. Yet this curiosity was not sufficiently excited to 
induce me to be at any particular pains to seek the means of 



REV. HOLLAND WEEKS. 125 

further information. About this time I read a book written 
by Abraham Cummings, on the subject of the ' Millennium ; ' 
by this means I Avas led into an error as to what is termed 
the latter-day glory ; but still, from one of the sections, I was 
induced to believe that when the millennium should commence, 
there would be farther revelations from the Lord to mankind. 
My belief was founded on such passages as Joel ii. 28 ; Acts 
ii. 17. My being settled in this belief had a tendency to 
remove from my mind one of the greatest objections against a 
reception of the revelations which the Lord, in His mercy, has 
given by Emanuel Swedenborg. Another thing, which I little 
thought would sap my foundation ultimately, — an idea which 
I resolutely imbibed in the early part of my ministry, — 
was, that I would see and think for myself, without calling any 
man father. There were some instances, even among minis- 
ters of my acquaintance, of such disgusting servility, and the 
consequences in their cases appeared so pernicious, that the 
idea of doing as they did filled me with abhorrence. This had 
a tendency to break from my mind one of the most direful 
shackles. When on a journey, ten or twelve years ago, I met 
with the Halcyon Luminary. My opportunity was not suffi- 
cient to give it a particular perusal, yet I read so much as to 
have my curiosity still more excited. The work appeared to 
me to be a remarkable display of philosophy, and of something 
called correspondence, Avhich I could not understand. "With 
the publishers I had no acquaintance ; but whoever they might 
be, I was convinced that they were men of remai'kable eru- 
dition and intelligence. Tlie means of arriving to such taste 
and wisdom, I felt a sensible desire to know. That there was 
anything opposed to my darling sentiments, I did not as yet 
suspect. It was of the Divine Providence that I should be led 
in a way that I knew not. I was not permitted to be apprised 
of such things as would have appeared particularly objection- 
able until it was too late to recede. I come now to the occa- 
sion of my being introduced to the writings of my favorite 
author. It was a strenuous attempt to vindicate the Calvin- 
istic doctrines at the place of the landing of our forefathers, in 
11* 



126 REV. HOLLAND WEEKS. 

Pljmoutn, by a sernioa which I preached at the installation 
of Mr. Torry. There was a young gentleman present of the 
name of Hunn, who requested me to preach the same, or a 
similar discourse, at his ordination in Sandwich, on Cape Cod. 
Being thus led in the Divine Providence to the ordination of 
Mr. Hunn, I was also led to a sight of an old minister's 
library, which contained the following works of Emanuel 
Swedenborg, viz. : ' The Treatise on Heaven and Hell ; ' 
' The Doctrine of Life concerning the Decalogue ; ' ' Angelic 
Wisdom concerning Divine Love and Wisdom,' and ' Con- 
jugial Love.' With the consent of their proprietor I obtained 
the reading of them, and commenced reading October 10, 
1818. I first read the ' Treatise on Heaven and Hell ; ' then, 
' Angelic Wisdom ; ' then the ' Doctrine of Life ; ' and the 
' Conjugial Love.' I also reviewed them, and received con- 
siderable part of their contents as truths, before I was per- 
mitted to see any other books of the kind, or to converse with 
any individual of the New Church. Had I read the ' Univer- 
sal Theology ' in the first place, it seems to me probable that 
I should have read no more. But it was so directed in the 
Lord's most merciful Providence that my mind should in 
some measure be prepared to receive it, before it was put into 
my hands. Some trials I had already experienced. Some 
things I could not, for a long time, receive as truth. It 
appeared to me astonishing that Swedenborg should have had 
so much light upon some subjects, and by such means, and yet 
that he should be so much in the dark upon several of the 
plainest, and, as I thought, most essential doctrines of the 
Gospel. I was not so much convinced as I ought to have 
been ; the darkness was in myself. I found means, however, 
to give a construction to what he says upon some points, so as 
to get along with him, until I came to read the ' Universal 
Theology.' I then saw that my constructions would not 
answer ; and that if his scheme of sentiments was true, mine 
was false. It was after Dr. Bates had removed to Middlebury 
that I was invited to supply the pulpit one Sabbath, which he 
had left vacant. The house where I was directed to put up 



REV. HOLLAND WEEKS. 127 

was Judge Haven's. There I found receivers of the New 
Church doctrines. The judge had been a reader for about 
twenty years. He furnished me with the ' Universal The- 
ology,' and with several other books that I had not then 
seen. 

" Soon after this I had trials with sentiments and with my- 
self, Avhich I bad never experienced. I was stripped and 
tossed, distressed and comforted. Generally when I read, the 
influx from the Lord was perceptible and sweet. But when I 
thought of some of my most darling Calvinistic doctrines, my 
mind was filled with unutterable anguish. My nights became 
sleepless, and my appetite for natural food was lost. As to 
many things in which I had been very confident, I was now 
wholly at a loss. Whether they were true or false, I could 
not tell. But there w^ere a number of spiritual truths made 
plain to me, so that I had food enough to keep me alive until 
I should be prepared to receive more. I had also enough to 
furnish me with a theme whenever I was called to preach. 
But frequently I was so overwhelmed in the pulpit, as to be 
unable for some time to proceed. My constant practice was to 
look to the Lord to direct me, and lead me into 'all truth. 
He heard my prayer, so that I had the witness of it iu 
myself. 

" Every Avorldly consideration was opposed to my reception 
of the new dispensation. My salary, my reputation, my 
friends, my means of supporting my rising family, my every- 
thing of this nature, I saw from the first was to be made a 
sacrifice. But still the question would recur, What is truth ? 
This I prayed the Lord to show me, and this the Lord did shoio 
me by a wonderful combination of ten thousand circumstances, 
all leading to this glorious result. Blessed be His name. I 
am now so settled and grounded in the truth that I have no 
doubt respecting it. I am confirmed. 

" All the evils which I anticipated came upon me, and some 
that I did not expect. But never, never fur a moment do I 
regret that I have become a receiver of the Heavenly Doctrines 
of the Lord's new, last and best dispensation, under which I 



128 REV. HOLLAND WEEKS. 

fully believe the golden age will be restored. I always 
preached what I sincerely believed Avas the truth, and do 
still ; and shall continue to do it so long as the Lord shall 
enable me. 

" He has blessed my labors in this place by giving me to 
see tha New Church arise here, and put on her beautiful gar- 
ments. They are persons, both men and women, of the first 
reputation. Indeed, my dear sir, it is in itself an absurdity 
to suppose that wicked and profligate characters can at the 
same time be sufficiently spiritual to constitute the Lord's 
New Church. No unclean thing shall enter there. None but 
the sincere worshippers and followers of the Lamb can be of 
the number of His tribe. Ask me all the questions you please ; 
give me all the information you can. Give my love to Mr. 
Copeland, and all inquiring friends. 

" Yours affectionately, 

" Holland Weeks." 

Mr. Weeks remarks in the above letter that he " always 
preached what he believed to be true," and as he saw the 
truth of flie docti-ines of the New Church he preached them, 
and continued to preach them for nearly two years to the 
society over which he was pastor, without objection from any 
members of his church. Late in the year 1819, Mrs. Cushing, 
of Hanson, was visiting at Mrs. Niles', and heard Mr. Weeks 
preach on the Sabbath, and from a previous knowledge which 
she had of the writings of Swedenborg, she at once perceived 
that he was preaching the doctrines revealed to the world by 
Swedenborg. From her it was immediately made public. 
The promulgation of the fact that Mr. Weeks had embraced 
and was preaching the doctrines contained in the writings of 
Swedenborg, at once produced a deep sensation, not only in his 
own town and church, but in many of the neighboring towns 
and churches. His church immediately became alienated 
from him. 

I conclude my reminiscences of Mr. Weeks with the follow- 
ing short obituary notice of him published in the October 
number of Tl^ New Jerusalem Magazine.^ for the year 1843. 



EEV. HOLLAND WEEKS. 129 



"rev. HOLLAND WEEKS. 

" Died in Henderson, N. Y., on the 24tli of July last, Rev. 
Holland Weeks. Mr. Weeks was formerly a settled minister 
of the Orthodox denomination in Abington, Mass., and became 
a receiver of the doctrines of the New Church in 1818, soon 
after which his connection with his society there was dis- 
solved. He was ordained into the New Church ministry in 
1821, and soon afterwards removed to Henderson, N. Y., 
where he resided till the time of his death. Mr. Weeks was 
a man of warm and kind feelings, of clear understanding and 
acute reasoning powers. He had an elevated sense of the 
dignity and importance of the ministerial office, and was well 
awai'e not only of the necessity of leading a life of charity, but 
also of maintaining sound doctrines, in order to the advance- 
ment of the church. 

" Mr. Weeks' health had been quite infirm for several 
years ; though be continued in the comfortable enjoyment of 
life to as great an extent as could perhaps be expected at his 
advanced age. The following extract, recently received from 
a member of his family, contains a brief notice of his last 
sickness : — 

" ' He Avas confined to the house but a few days (with the 
prevailing influenza), and to his bed only one day before his 
decease. Though somewhat afflicted with pain in the chest 
and arms, during the week, in his last day and hour he was 
almost entirely free from pain. He was aware that his depar- 
ture was at hand, and he was Avilling, and desired to go ; and 
he went in the most easy, quiet and tranquil manner — without 
a struggle or a sigh. He was surrounded by his children and 
a few sympathizing neighbors, suppoi'ted in a sitting posture 
in his bed. He was conscious and composed to the last ; and 
though he could not converse much, it was soothing and con- 
soling to the feelings of his bereaved children that the Lord, 
in His kind providence, removed our dear father in the most 
quiet and gentle manner.' " 



CHAPTER XIV. 

First Society of the New Jerusalem in Abington. 

Without entering into any arguments in favor of the 
doctrines of the New Church — for they are abundantly sup- 
plied elsewhere by books and periodicals — I will only endeavor 
to correct one misapprehension of them. 

The receivers of the new doctrine are supposed to be a new 
sect of the Christian dispensation. This is a mistake. New 
Churchmen believe that the period of the descent of the 
New Jerusalem, spoken of in Revelation xxi., has arrived ; . 
that the Lord has commenced the establishment of a New 
Church — a new dispensation ; and that, as a means to this 
end, He has caused to be deduced from the literal sense of the 
Scriptures, through His servant, Emanuel Swedenborg, 
illuminated for this purpose, doctrine of genuine truth, such 
as was never clearly understood in the first Christian Church, 
even in the days of its greatest purity. 

And that, besides this, the Lord has, by the same means, 
revealed the fiict which has been hitherto unknown, that there 
is a spiritual sense in every part of the Scriptures, in which 
genuine truth is in its glory, and without any of the obscurity 
which pervades the literal sense ; and finally, that he has 
revealed much of that sense, and the science of correspon- 
dences, by means of which it is understood. 

Such are some of the reasons why those who receive the 
new doctrines, believe them to be the doctrines of a new 
church and not of a new sect. 

The Secretary of the " First Society of the New Jerusalem 
in Abington," Mr. Jeremiah Towle, has furnished the follow- 
ing statement of the fornuition, progress, and present state of 
the Society : — 

" Rev. Holland Weeks, pastor of the First Congregational 
Church in Abington, was the first receiver of the doctrines 
of the New Church in this place. 

(130) 




NEW JERUSALEM CIII'RCII, CENTRE ABINOTOX. 



FIRST SOCIETY OF THE NEW JERUSALEM, ETC. 131 

"After receiving the doctrines, he began to preach them to 
his congregation in the year 1820 ; but this was soon followed 
by a dissolution of the connection which existed between him 
and them. 

" Mr. Weeks removed from Abington in 1821. At that 
time there were five or six persons who were friendly to the 
doctrines ; but little interest was manifested, however, until 
1824, when several young persons became receivers. Since 
that time there has been a regular increase. In the year 
1827, the receivers first began to hold meetings for public 
worship on the Sabbath, in the westerly part of the town. In 
1^30, the receivers were legally organized as a distinct 
religious society, under the name of ' The First Society of the 
New Jerusalem in Abington.' The same year the meetings 
for public worship were changed to the centre of the town, 
and were held for several years in the house now occupied by 
Rev. Joseph Pettee, and former residence of Eev. Mr. Weeks, 
from 1827 to 1832. Mr. Eleazer Smith, and Mr. Samuel 
Worcester, preached occasionally for the society. In 1833 
there was much thought about a more perfect organization of 
the society, but it was postponed for want of a commodious 
place for public meetings. 

" In the winter of 1833-34 the society, with the assistance 
of others who were interested in the doctrines, erected a 
building called the ' New Church Hall,' in which meetings for 
public worship were held for twenty-two years. From the 
commencement, up to this time, the meetings for public 
worship were usually conducted by Elisha Faxon, jr., when 
they were without the services of a minister. In 1833, and 
spring of 1834, Mr. Henry A. Worcester preached twenty 
Sabbaths. Meanwhile, the society had been gradually making 
accessions to their numbers. Benjamin Hobart, Esq., of 
South Abington, and his family, regularly attended the meet- 
ings when held at a private house ; and also Mr. Asaph 
Dunbar, and several others. In August, 1834, Rev. Warren 
Goddard (now of North Bridgewater) commenced preaching 



132 FIRST SOCIETY OP THE 

for the society, and continued for the most of the time until 
January, 1838. 

"In February, 1835, a church was instituted in conformity 
with the rules of order of the General Convention of the New 
Church in the United Sates, consisting of twenty-four mem- 
bers. The Rev. Thomas Worcester, D.D,, pastor of the 
Boston Society of the New Church, attended by delegates 
from that society, performed the services on that occasion. 
The names of the persons thus organized will be attached to 
the creed which follows, and which was adopted by tliem, 
June 28, 1835. 

CREED. 

" First — That God is one in essence, and in person, in 
whom is a Divine trinity ; that from love towards men, He 
assumed humanity, and glorified it ; and that He thus became 
God with lis, the Saviour and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. 

" Second — That the Word is the Divine truth itself, pro- 
ceeding from the Lord ; that it is written according to the 
correspondence of natural things with heavenly and Divine, 
and is adapted to all the various states of angels and men : 
and that thus it is the Divine Medium, by which men are 
consociated with angels, and men and angels are conjoined to 
the Lord. 

" Third — That from the Lord alone proceeds genuine life, 
the precepts of which are the Ten Commandments ; that these 
precepts are to be obeyed by man as of himself, with the 
acknowledgment that the will and power to do, are of the 
Lord alone ; and thus that man is saved by the Lord, by 
means of a life in conformity with His precepts. 

" Benjamin Hobart, Deborah Hobart, Asaph Dunbar, 
Edward Cobb, 2d, Daniel Noyes, Hannah Noyes, Elisha 
Faxon, jr., Hannah M. Faxon, Isaiah Noyes, Betsey Noyes, 
Lucius Faxon, Hari'iet Faxon, Jeremiah Towle, Sophia W. 
Towle, Isaac Robbins, Ebenezer Robbins, Noah Reed, Mary 
Reed, Luther Cobb, Nancy W. Cobb, Calvin Faxon, Althea 
Faxon, Alden S. Loud, Diantha Loud. 



NEW JERUSALEM IN ABINGTON. 133 

" Soon after the institution of the society, it was organized 
by choosing a secretary, and a committee of three persons, who 
were called ' The Ecclesiastical Committee.' The first Secre- 
tary chosen was Mr. Edward Cobb, 2d, who held the office 
until December, 1836. Mr. Luther Cobb was then chosen, 
and held the office until August, 1839. He then declined 
serving longer, and the Avriter of this was chosen, who has 
served in that capacity to the present time. The first Ecclesi- 
astical Committee of the society were Messrs. Edward Cobb, 
2d, Benjamin Hobart, and Lucius Faxon. 

" In January, 1838, Mr. Joseph Pettce was invited to come 
and preach, with a view to become pastor of the society if it 
should be mutually satisfactory. 

" May 26, 1838, the society passed the following vote : — 

" ' Voted, That we invite Mr. Pettee to become our pastor, 
and that we will make provision for his support according to 
our ability.' 

" May 27, an answer was received from him, accepting the 
invitation. 

" July 25, 1838, Mr. Joseph Pettee was ordained pastor of 
this society, by Rev. Thomas Worcester, of Boston, Ordaining 
Minister in the New Jerusalem. 

" The ordinance of the ' Lord's Supper ' is administered in 
the society quarterly, viz., — on the first Sabbath in January, 
April, July, and October. The present number of communi- 
cants is sixty-four ; the whole number of members since the 
formation of the society is eighty-four.* 

" J. TowLE, Secrteary." 



* This was prepared some years ago ; the society has much increased 
since. 

12 



CHAPTER XV. 

Physicians Practising in Abington in Past Times, and at the 
Present Time. 

The following sketches of the practising physicians in the 
town of Abington, from its first settlement, have been furnished 
in part for this article by one of our present leading physicians, 
Dr. F. F. Forsaith, of South Abington. I have added some 
remarks and statements, not included in double commas, which 
mark his sketches. It is very difficult to get correct infor- 
mation respecting the early physicians ; where they were born, 
when they commenced practice here, when they left or 
deceased, and of their connections and descendants. 

" The first who practised medicine in this town was the 
Rev. Samuel Brown, who came here in the year 1713, and, 
as was usual at that time, dispensed to the spiritual and 
physical wants of his paiushioners. lie lived in a small house 
about six or eight rods east from the old brick tavern-building 
at Centre Abington, now owned by Captain William Nash. 
He died September 12, 1749, aged sixty-two." 

Dr. David Jones came here, probably, about the year 
1750. He lived in what was called the old Moses Reed House, 
near where Ephraim S. Jenkins now resides. It is not 
known where he originated, nor precisely Avhen he settled 
here. He Avas chosen one of the Selectmen in 1760, and 
served in that capacity for six years. In that year (1760) he 
was chosen by the town to purchase a bell of about six hundred 
pounds weight. In 1774 he was chosen a delegate from this • 
town to attend a County Congress, which met at Plympton, 
September 26, 1774, where all the towns in the county were 
represented. At tliat convention he was chosen one of the 
committee to report resolves on the oppressive acts of 
the British Parliament, and the rights of the Colony. These 
resolves have been highly spoken of, as timely, able, and 

(134) 



PHYSICIANS. 135 

spirited. He was chosen also a delegate to the first Provincial 
Congress at Salem, October 5, 1774 ; and also to the third at 
Watertown, July 31, 1775. He was a delegate to the Con- 
vention at Cambridge, in September, 1779, to form a State 
Constitution. Besides these, he held other important offices. 
Of his family, only two of his sons are remembered, — Elias, 
who settled in South Carolina, and David, who succeeded his 
father in his practice for a time. Dr. Jones was a man of 
talents, and well educated : he was a scientific man ; one 
little circumstance illustrates this. There is a small brook on 
the farm which he occupied, running into a low meadow, 
called " Cole Brook " — not Cold or Coal brook : Cole signifies 
kale, or cabbage, which does not form a close head — sometimes 
called wild, or meadow cabbage. This kale, or cabbage, 
grows in abundance, or did, (for I have seen it,) where this 
Cole brook runs into the meadow ; hence the name, " Cole 
Brook" None but a scientific man like Dr. Jones could have 
made this nice distinction in the name of the brook. This 
name (" Cole Brook ") has been applied to other localities, 
which certainly is a misnomer. 

Dr. David Jones, Jr., son of the above named Dr. Jones, 
practised in town for a year or two, about 1775. He had a 
hospital for small-pox patients on the spot where now stands 
the house occupied by Allen Leach, Franklin Street. He 
lived in the old Major John Cushing House, about one-half 
mile south of the then North Abington meeting-house. He after- 
wards moved to North Yarmouth, now in the State of Maine. 
He served for a time as a surgeon in the Revolutionary War. 
He married Elizabeth Hobart, daughter of Colonel Aaron 
Hobart by his first wife. After his removal to North Yar- 
mouth he had a large family of children, and his posterity is 
quite numerous. He Avas in extensive practice there for about 
thirty years. Several years before his death he suffered 
severely by the gout, but bore it Avith great patience and 
resignation ; was never heard to utter a complaint. During 
this period he was still consulted very extensively by his 
patients : he was held in high reputation as a physician. 



136 PHYSICIANS. 

"Dr. Adams resided in Abington in about the year 1778 
or 1779, in a house where Ephraim S. Jenkins now lives — 
the same one occupied by Dr. Jones, sen., in South 
Abington." 

" Dr. Fuller, not far from the same time, lived in a house 
on the spot where Mr. Adam Reed now lives, in South Abing- 
ton. He continued here but a short time." 

Dr. Richard Briggs resided in Abington, and practised as 
a physician about 1780. He lived on the spot where now is 
the house occupied by Deacon J. A. King. Dr. Briggs was 
a surgeon on board a public ship in the war of Indepen- 
dence. When a boy I was greatly interested in hearing him 
narrate many of the exciting scenes which took place on board 
the ship in which he served in that capacity. He was in quite 
extensive practice in this town for nearly thirty years, and 
removed to the town of Chesterfield, in this State, County of 
Hampshire, about 1812. He was a man well informed — 
had gi'eat conversational powers ; and his friends and sup- 
porters were very much attached to him, and he to them. He 
was cotemporary with Dr. Gridley Thaxter during almost his 
whole residence in town. He was chosen Town Clerk in 1799. 
He married Huldah Reed, the daughter of Thomas Reed, sister 
to the late Deacon Isaac Reed. He had a son Richard, born 
February 9, 1785 ; his wife died not far from 1830. He had 
a large family of children, several of whom have died ; the 
residence of the others is not known : some of them removed 
to the West. It is not known that any of them remain at 
Chesterfield, and there are no descandants of his remaining in 
this town. 

Dr. Gridley Thaxter, son of Samuel and Abigail Smith 
Thaxter, born in Hingham, April 9, 1756, at the age of twenty 
years engaged as surgeon in the privateer Speedwell, Captain 
Jonathan Greeley, and sailed from Boston in the year 1776. 
He continued in her till 1778. The Speedwell took "several 
prizes. 

In 1779, he sailed with Capt. David Ropes, of Salem, in 
the brig Wild Cat, taking a number of prizes, the last a 



PHYSICIANS. 137 

scliooner of fourteen guns, in tJie harbor of Halifax. They 
were unable to retain the schooner, the enemy having sent 
from town a schooner, brig and two sloops, which recaptured 
her. The following night they were taken prisoners by the 
frigate Surjjrise, and Dr. Thaxter remained on the prison-ship 
about three months ; he Avas then taken to Halifax, where he 
remained about a month, when he was exchanged, and came 
to Boston. In the spring of 1780, he sailed with Captain 
William Patten, jr., of Salem, in the brig Warrior, fourteen 
guns, and was taken in the month of May by the sloop-of-war 
Captain Ingalls, carried to New York, kept aboard the prison- 
ship three weeks ; and the remainder of the time, while 
prisoner, was boarded in the town of Jamaica. When re- 
leased, he came to Boston with Major Hopkins, and, without 
returning to his native place, or seeing his friends, he engaged 
on board the State ship Mars, Captain Simeon Sampson, and 
remained as surgeon till the year 1781. Pie married a daugh- 
ter of General Benjamin Lincoln, of Hingham, who served in 
the Eevolutionary War. 

He moved from Hingham to Abington in the year 1783, 
hired a part of Rev. Samuel Niles' house, and afterwards 
bought the Dr. Jones Farm (recently owned by Major John 
Gushing). About the year 1797 he bought a farm of Mr. 
Jonathan Nash, and built a house the following year, which 
he occupied till his decease, February 13, 1845. 

" Dr. EzEKiEL TuAXTER, SOU of the above Dr. Gridley 
Thaxter, was born in Abington, July 22, 1787. lie was 
fitted for college at Hingham Academy. After completing 
his collegiate course, he studied medicine under the instruction 
of Dr. John C. Warren, of Boston. He received his medical 
diploma in 1815, and immediately commenced practice with 
his father in Abington. He was very successful as a physician, 
and at the present day is remembered Avith affection by a large 
number of the residents of the town. For the last two or 
three years of his life, he was able to practice but little, having 
suffered from paralysis. In 1821 he was chosen Town Clerk, 
and held the office until 1832. He was a kind and affectionate 
12* 



138 PHYSICIANS. 

father, a worthy and estimable citizen. He died October 11, 
185G, aged sixty-nine years. 

" Dr. Richards came to town about the year 1806, and, in 
addition to his practice, was engaged in manufacturing cloths 
in 1812, in company with a Mr. Tirrell, of Boston, on the 
spot where now is the tack factory of D. B. Gurney. He 
removed to Cummington, Mass." 

" Dr. John Champney came to Abington in the year 1827. 
He was introduced by Dr. Sawin, of East Bridgewater, and 
purchased the situation owned by Dr. S. just before his death, 
in 1821. When he removed to Abington in 1827, he occupied 
the house on South Avenue, once owned by Aaron Hobart, jr., 
Esq. He was in the United States service in the war of 1812, 
and died in 1857." He man'ied for his first wife Sally Hobart, 
and for his second, Abigail A. Hobart, sisters, and daughters 
of the above named Aaron Hobart, jr. They are both de- 
ceased. He buried three sons, and has two daughters living. 

" Dr. Alonzo Chapin came to East Abington about 1840, 
and continued in practice there for nearly ten years." 

" Dr. John S. Curtis came to South Abington in the 
summer of 1844, and remained in practice there for two 
years." 

" Dr. Edmund Edmonston succeeded him in the same 
part of the town, and remained about the same length of 
time." 

" Dr. Albion P. Chase came to South Abington in 1848. 
After boarding for a time, he was married to Deborali, 
daughter of Rev. F. P. Howland, and resided in a house on 
South Avenue, since owned by Spencer Pool. From there 
he removed to the house on Washington Street, built by 
W. P. Corthell, Esq., where he remained till the spring of 
1855, when he sold out and removed to Portland, Me. After 
remaining there a short time he removed to Amboy, 111." 

" Dr. Charles A. King came to Centre Abington in the 
autumn of 1848, and continued in practice there till his death, 
September 19, 1852." 

" Dr. F. A. Jewett came to North Abington in the spring 



PHYSICIANS. 139 

of 1850. In the autumn of the same year he moved to Centre 
Abington, and remained in practice there till May, 1859, when 
he removed to Shrewsbury, where he still remains." 

" Dr. J. M. Underwood, who came to East Abington in 
the year 1848, is still the sole representative of the profession 
in that flourishing village." 

Dr. D. W. Briggs, homoeopathic physician, came to Abing- 
ton in the autumn of 1840. lie continued in practice till the 
spring of 1858, when he relinquished his practice to Dr. J. L. 
Hunt, who remained but a short time. Dr. Briggs, with his 
family, removed to Gardiner, Me., when he left here. 

" Dr. Asa Millet came to Centre Abington from East 
Bridgewater, December 22, 1854, and still continues in prac- 
tice." * 

" Dr. Nelson B. Tanner came to East Abington, May 9, 
1854, and remained there till August of the same year, when 
he removed to North Abington, Avhere he still remains." 

" Dr. F. F. FoRSAiTH succeeded Dr. A. P. Chase in his 
practice, April 9, 1858, and still occupies the same office." f 

" Dr. Charles H. Haskell commenced practice in South 
Abington, April 19, 1858, and still continues there." J 

" Dr. J. T. Harris, homocopathist, who succeeded Dr. Hunt 
in May, 1859, is still in practice, and resides in Centre Abing- 
ton." 

Dr. C. F. Robinson succeeded Dr. F. F. Forsaith in 
South Abington, February 3, 1862, and now occupies the same 
office. 

Dr. Henry Dudley came to Centre Abington, in April, 
1864, and succeeded Dr. Asa Millet in practice. 

Dr. Nelson B. Tanner, jr., opened an office in South 
Abington in 1864. 

Dr. Benjamin F. Hastings resides in East Abington, and 
opened his office there recently. 



* Since removed to Bridgewater. 
t Since removed to Weymouth. 
X Since deceased. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

Manufactures. — Their Rise and Progress in Early Times ; their State 
and Condition at the Present Time 

I HAVE already noticed, under the head of Agriculture, 
some of the early domestic manufactures, particularly the 
spinning and weaving (mostly by females) of wool and flax, 
which were produced in considerable quantities. Such manu- 
factures were coeval Avith the first settlement of the town, and 
were of the highest importance ; population would not have 
been sustained without them. 

But there were other manufactures in early times besides 
these. One of these was " earthen-ware ; " this was introduced 
here by Henry Benner, of Dutch descent, who, with his wife, 
emigrated to this country and settled in this town, as near as 
it can be ascertained, ia 17G5. He continued the business 
about thirty years ; he died between 1790 and 1800. Plis 
wife survived him for a number of years. He lived in a small 
house near the clay-pits, just back of the house where Samuel 
Brown used to live. Some of his ware, which was of rather 
a coarse make, is now in existence, over eighty years old. 

The process of making his ware was very simple : his 
vessels were moulded and shaped by his hands. Pie had an 
upright shaft about four feet high, with a treadle geared into 
this, so that with his foot he could put the shaft into a quick 
rotatory motion. Fastened to the top of this was a square 
piece of board ; on that the clay was placed, and moulded into 
form when in quick motion. Diiferent parts were moulded 
separately, and then joined together ; but the most of it was 
made without any joining, being open and simple. He worked 
native clay. 

Meeting-house bells were cast in this town, as early, prob- 
ably, as at any other place in the country. In 17G9, a deserter 

(140) 



MANUFACTURES. 141 

from the British army, a bell-founder by the name of Gilli- 
more, was employed by Colonel Aaron Ilobart (my father) in 
this business, which was continued by him for many years. 
Besides casting two bells for the First Religious Society in this 
town, — the only ones ever used by them up to about 1850, — he 
cast quite a number for adjoining towns and towns in the vicinity, 
others for more remote towns, and some to go out of the State. 
When he gave up the business, he sent one of his sous, with a 
blacksmith, and taught the late Colonel Paul Revere, of Boston, 
to mould and cast the first bell which he ever made. The 
" Revere Copper Company " in Boston is named after this 
enterprising individual, as also the "Revere House" in the 
same city, one of the most noted hotels in the country. 

In respect to two other articles of manufacture in this town 
in early times, I quote from a statement wdaich I furnished for 
a " Gazetteer of Massachusetts," by John Hayward, Esq. 

"In the year 1775-6, Colonel Aaron Ilobart contracted 
with the State to make cannon and shot, and the State fur- 
nished him Avith a large amount of material to begin with, as 
pig iron and coal ; this was a bold undertaking. Colonel 
Hobart had no knowledge of the business ; he cast bells, it is 
trtxe, and was the owner of a blast furnace for casting hollow 
ware, &c., but the exigency of the times required a powerful 
effort. The Revolutionary war had just commenced, and there 
were but a very few cannon in the country ; hundreds of mer- 
chant ships were in want of cannon to go out as privateers. 
The first attempts (the first that were made in the country) 
proved very unsuccessful. The cannon burst in proving. The 
cause was that the iron was not raised to a sufficiently high 
temperature, and became chilled too quickly. So disastrous 
was the experiment, that all the stock provided by the State 
was expended, and his own fortune besides. This disappoint- 
ment was severely felt by him and the public. But, provi- 
dentially, at this dark hour, the cause of the low temperature 
of the iron in the furnace was discovered ; a Frenchman 
who had worked in a cannon foimdry in France, in passing 
through the town, while stopping at a public-house, heard of 



142 MAmJFACTUEES. 

Colonel Hobart's want of success, and inquired the cause. On 
being told, he said there was no difficulty in keeping the iron 
sufficiently hot. He was instantly invited to inspect the fur- 
nace, and stated at once the cause of the failure, which was 
that the flue of the chimney was made large, and the chimney 
above, small ; he said the reverse ought to be the case, — the 
flue small, and the chimney large, above ; no time was lost in 
making this change, and the success was complete ; the con- 
tract with the State was fulfilled, and individuals were supplied 
extensively. About three years after this, the concern was 
disposed of to the State, under the care of the late Colonel 
Hugh Orr, of Bridgewater, and removed to that town. 

" Another important manufacture took its rise early in this 
town — the manufacture of cut tacks and brads. In this manu- 
facture a large capital is invested, and from seventy-five to one 
hundred hands are employed. It is computed that about three 
hundred tons of iron are annually wrought. 

" To show the necessity of protection on American inven- 
tions and domestic industry, we give a brief history of the 
manufacture of the above-mentioned useful and indispensable 
articles. 

"The making of tacks, by hand, commenced very early. 
The first attempt was to cut up old iron hoops into points, by 
a very imperfect kind of shears, and place them in a common 
vice, for the purpose of heading each tack with a hammer. 
From this process, they were called ' Cut Tacks ; ' but the 
mode of making by hand was much improved by movable dies 
placed in an iron frame, in the shape of an ox-bow, in the two 
ends of which were placed the dies, which were brought to- 
gether by a lever pressed by the foot. In the first process, a 
man might make one thousand tacks per day ; in the latter, 
eight thousand per day. This was a great improvement* and 
the inventor of it, Mr. Ezekiel Reed, was entitled to a patent. 
He made some attempts to conceal the operation ;, but it was 
so simple, and so easily applied, that others soon got it, and it 
came into general use. 

" With machines, or ' tack tools,' as they were called, thus 



MANCFACTURES. 143 

improved, from three to four hundred men and boys were 
employed in making tacks, in this town and vicinity. 

" In 1815 and 1816, a machine was invented by Mr. Jesse 
Eeed, son of Ezekiel Reed, to make tacks at one operation ; 
Mr. Melvil Otis, of Bridgewater, claimed and received a con- 
siderable share of the invention. Soon after, the machines 
were much improved by inventions of Messrs. Thomas Blan- 
chard, of Springfield, and Samuel Rogers, of East Bridge- 
water. For the exclusive patent rights for these inventions, 
Elihu and Benjamin Ilobart of this town paid thirty thousand 
dollars, in the first instance, to commence the business of 
making tacks. The price of tacks was reduced over fifty per 
cent, immediately, and one man could make more tacks in a 
day, on one of the patent machines, than fifteen could by hand, 
even in the latest improved mode by movable dies. One 
machine has turned out over two hundred and fifty thousand 
in a day. 

•'When they had just got their machines into operation 
they learned, with astonishment, that a large consignment of 
tacks had been received in this country from England. On 
inquiry, they found that a model of their ' Patent Tack 
Machine' had been taken from this country-, and patented, 
and the tacks sent here for sale. One or two individuals went 
from this country to England for that purpose. The tendency 
of this was to stop the manufacture of this article here entirely, 
and ruin the proprietors of the patent. 

" Under these circumstances, they Avere led at once to look 
to our government for relief and protection. It was asked, 
'Shall the British take our inventions and our market, without 
paying for them, to the ruin of our citizens ? ' They referred 
to their models, in the patent office, and also stated that the 
price of tacks was already reduced fifty per cent., and machines 
could be easily multiplied, not only to supply the United States, 
but Europe. 

" A bill was immediately passed, fixing the duty on importa- 
tion of tacks, at five cents per thousand, up to sixteen ounce ; 
after that at five cents per pound, and also including brads and 
sparables. 



144 MAmiFACTURES. 

" Without this tariff, the business must have been given up 
in this country. Iron and labor were lower in England than 
here, and the English having nothing to pay for patent rights, 
and having silenced competition here, would have charged 
their own prices. It would have been difficult to have revived 
the business ; indeed, it never would have succeeded without 
protection in its infancy." 

These statements, from the " Gazetteer," were written 
fifteen years ago. Since then, in respect to tack machines, as 
well as brad and point machines, there have been very great 
improvements, and especially since they Avere first put into 
operation, over forty years since. Those now in use are very 
excellent and perfect specimens of mechanical invention, and 
do much credit to the mechanical genius of the country. 

In 1839, a statement was made of the capital employed and 
the amount of tacks, &c., made in this town, which stood thus: 
"Capital employed, $57,000; tacks made, 1,832,000,000, 
valued at $82,000. Since then these amounts must have 
more than doubled. The recent loss of the tack factory of 
B. Hobart & Son, estimated at $50,000, more than two- 
thirds of which was covered by insurance, and the saving of 
machinery and stock, has made no difference in the amount 
manufactured ; it only removed the manufacture into another 
town, temporarily (East Bridgewater). A large tack factory 
was there, then unoccupied, which was immediately engaged 
and put into operation by the same firm that met with the loss 
by fire. The factory could not be engaged for a loss time than 
three years. Preparations will probably be made before the 
expiration of that time for the return of the business to this 
town.* 

Many manufactures for domestic purposes, formerly carried 
on in town, are now done away with or superseded. The 
making of wrought nails and also bricks, once a very extensive 

* Since the above was written, a brick factory, three hundred and 
tliirty feet long and sixty feet wide, has been erected at South Abing- 
ton, for that purpose. 



MANUFACTURES. 



145 



■business, is now entirely neglected. This latter business of 
making bricks ought to be revived ; there are probably fifty 
places or brick yards in town, where bricks have been made, 
not only for the supply of the town, but for sale out of town. 
This would give employment to many hands, and prevent 
large outgoes to other towns for these articles. Ploughs were 
formerly made here, and flax and wool extensively prepared 
for spinning and Aveaving ; the making of spinning-wheels was 
quite a business. 

But almost all the manufactures of former times have been 
superseded by new ones of a more modern date. One of these 
— the tack business — is of great interest to the town, employs 
many hands, and distributes much money among them. An- 
other is the boot and shoe business, which is the great and 
leading business of the town, and which will be the subject of 
another article. 

The following is an account of the present manufactures of 
the town, taken from the returns of the recent census of the 
United States, boots and shoes excepted. The account is 
deficient, probably, in the number of articles, and the amounts 
returned : — 



H. H. Cloud, tin-ware of all kinds, 

J. E. Smith, confectionery, .... 

Samuel Reed & Co., box-boards, . 

Chase Taylor, mackerel kitts, 

Worthy Dunham, heels, .... 

D. B. Gurney, tacks, brads, and box-boards, . 

"Warren Wilks, box-boards, .... 

J. II. Giles, lasts, ..... 

Fairbanks & Prince, tin-plate and sheet-iron, 

T. Ilazelton, stiffenings and inner soles, 

J. Torrey & Co., soap, .... 

H. H. Brigham, zinc, iron, nails and tacks, . 

B. Hobart & Son, tacks, brads and shoe nails, of 
iron, copper and zinc, Hungarian nails .and 

tiuned tacks, 

13 



$10,000 

4,800 

2,800 

741 

700 

1G,100 

9,612 

8,500 

2,500 

1,050 

4,800 

21,000 



100,000 



CHAPTER XVII. 

Manufacture of Boots and Shoes. — The Amount Severally Made and 
Sold by Firms and Individuals ; The Else, Progress, and Extent of 
this Manufiicture. 

^Concluded.'] 

The following is a schedule of the fir.TQS and individuals 
engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes, varied in 
forms, materials, and quality, as named and carried out by 
the manufacturers themselves, and taken from their statements 
given in at the late census of the United States, up to June, 
18C0:— 



J. Cleverly & Co., boots, calf and grain, and brogans, 

Willey & Floyd, boots, congress, lace and Oxford 
shoes, ........ 

Henry Dunham, shoes, light brogans, cloth and Ox- 
ford ties, ...... 

Jeremiah Towle, vv^omen's shoes, buckskin, &c., 

Gilbert & Hunt, boots and shoes, . 

J. F. Bigelow, boots, congress, Oxford ties, and strap 
shoes, ....... 

"W. S. Wales, boots, grain and calf, 

S. Vining & Son, brogans, .... 

C. L. Dunham, boots, shoes and brogans, 

L. T. Harden, shoes, calf, .... 

Fuller & Blanchard, boots and shoes, 

Abner Curtis, shoes and brogans, . 

Turner Reed, shoes, boys, youths, and children's, 

Josiah Soule, jr., shoes, .... 

C. L. Brown, boots and shoes, congress, Oxford 
ties, &c., ....... 

(146) 



$27,700 

7,436 

15,000 
5,500 
4,000 



75,000 
36,000 
14,735 
45,000 

8,000 

30,000 

100,000 

7,500 
20,000 

17,000 



BOOTS AND SHOES. 



147 



L. Faxon & Co., boots and shoes, men's, women's and 

boy's, 

George Studley, boots and shoes, ... 
George C. Reynolds, shoes, congress, English lace 

and Oxford ties, ..... 
Samuel Norton, boots and shoes, ... 
Samuel Reed, jr., congress and Oxford, . 
Isaac Pollard, brogans and Oxford ties, . 
Hovey, Arnold & Co., boots and shoes, congress 

hunters, Oxford, &c., .... 
Levi Reed, boots and shoes, congress and Oxford 

ties, ....... 

Whitmarsh Brothers, boots and shoes, . 

Beal & Francis, boots and shoes, congress, brogans 

and Oxford, ...... 

L. G. Damon, Thomas & Co., boots and shoes, con 

gress, &c., ...... 

M. «S= G. T. Nash, boots and shoes, congress, hun 

ters, &c., ...... 

I. & N. S. Jenkins, boots, Oxford ties and brogans, 
Jenkins & Tirrell, boots, congress and Scotch, Ox- 
ford ties and strap, .... 

Albert Chamberlin, shoes and moccasons. 
Brown & Goodwin, gaiter boots and Oxford ties, 
Franklin Smith, boots, brogans, and Oxford ties, 
Leander Curtis, congress, boots and brogans, . 
Melvin Shaw, boots and shoes, 
E. R. Rand, brogans, men's, boy's, and youths, 
J. L. Hobart, boots and shoes, men's, boy's, youth* 

&c., 

"William L. Reed, boots and shoes, 

T. & J. B. Clement, boots and shoes, congress. Ox 

ford tics and strap, .... 

Joseph Dill, boots and shoes, congress, Oxford 

brogans, &c., ..... 

George W. Pratt, boots, calf, &c., 
J. Vaughn & Hersey, brogans, 



148 



BOOTS AND SHOES. 



Jacob Whiting, congress boots, Oxford ties, and lace 

shoes, . $22,000 

James Whitmarsh, hunters boots, .... 7,500 

E. G. Sharp, congress boots, ..... 4,100 
C. W. Forbush & Co., congress boots, Oxford ties 

and brogans, ....... 40,000 

B. L. Hunt, boots, hunters and congress, Scotch 

ties, &c., 40,000 

William P. Corthell, shoes, G,000 

Sumner Shaw, congress boots and shoes, . . 42,560 

I. F. Lowell, congress boots and shoes, . . . 16,500 

Nathaniel Beal, congress boots, hunters and brogans, 39,435 
Hunt & Lane, long boots, congress, lace, and 

shoes, 111,250 

Jenkins, Lane & Sons, shoes of all kinds, . . 225,000 
Alden S. Loud, long boots, congress, lace, Oxford 

ties, &c,, ....... 26,372 

Ira Noyes, calf boots, 8,700 

Henry Gushing, California boots, .... 25,000 

H. G. Cushing, calf boots, ..... 13,500 

Luke B. Noyes, shoes, brogans, boy's, youths, &c., . 15,000 

Charles H. Dill, congress boots and Oxford ties, . 17,040 
Charles W. Torrcy, congress, and lace boots, and 

Oxford ties, 7,200 

E. V. & L. F. Wheeler, congi-ess, lace, and Oxford 

ties, 8,600 

Gridley Hunt, lace boots, Oxford ties and brogans, 3,750 

Daniel W. Beal, Oxford ties and brogans, . . 12,000 

Winslow Jackson, calf boots, .... 5,570 

Jacob Shaw, boots, ...... 7,800 

S. Colson, jr., shoes, ...... 16,000 

Albert Whitmarsh, boots and shoes, . . . 40,000 

Joshua Curtis, boots and shoes, .... 4,800 

Eliab M. Noyes, long boots and brogans, . . 12,100 

Davis H. Cook, shoes, ...... 3,625 

A. L. Mayhew, long boots and shoes, . . . 24,755 

Nahum Reed, boots and shoes, .... 46,500 



BOOTS AND SHOES. 



149 



Davis Gurne)^, long and congress boots, . 

A. & A. Alden, brogans and boots, 

William H. Capen, boots and shoes, 

John Wilks, shoes, ..... 

John Burrill, congress boots, .... 

John Curtis, jr., congress boots, Oxford ties and 

brogans, ...... 

Jesse Reed, jr., shoes, men's, boy's and youths, &c. 

Bates & Bosworth, ladies' shoes, . 

David F. Hunt, shoes, ..... 

Micah H. Pool, Scotch and congress boots and Ox 

ford ties, ...... 

S. R. Wales, boots and shoes,* 



$67,040 

14,689 

6,285 

4,210 

10,800 

12,150 

10,000 
8,769 
3,840 

24,347 
85,000 



The amounts thus returned by eighty-two manufacturers, 
sum up to $2,496,924. It is highly probable that full returns 
were not made ; some supposing it might increase their taxes. 
And there are laro;e numbers who made returns embracinor 



* Since the above was written, (18G1,) owing to the present unhappy 
civil war, many of the above manufactories of boots and shoes have 
undergone great changes. Great losses have been sustained, particu- 
larly by the largest manufacturers, who had large stocks at the South, 
and heavy demands for goods sent on order, which were confiscated 
by the rebels, to aid their rebellion against the United States. It 
is estimated that one million dollars was lost in this way by this 
town. 

But these losses and inteiTuptions to business have, in a great 
measure, been overcome. New firms, new arrangements and indi- 
vidual enterprise, have done much to restore the manufacturing 
interest of the town to its former state. The manufacture of shoes 
for the army and navy since the war commenced, (about four years 
ago,) have been very large, amounting, it is estimated, to nearly two 
millions of dollars. The pay to soldiers, and for the support of their 
families, has been computed at over one million of dollars. The 
number of soldiers in the field, since the war commenced, has 
averaged about one thousand for the whole time. 

These sources of income have been of great use in restoring the 
former prosperity of the town, and in sustaining the great business of 
the town — the manufiicture of boots and shoes. 
13* 



150 BOOTS AND SHOES. 

sums under $5,000, wbicli are not included in the above 
amount, except six or seven coming very near that sum. 
Those omitted, manufacture from $1,000 and under to $3,000 
or $4,000. The omission was made to avoid too long a list 
of names. These omissions, with the deficiency in the general 
returns, would, it is believed, bring up the sum total of these 
manufactures to $2,750,000 annually. 

There are quite a number of those named above who have 
stores and counting-rooms in Boston, and do much of their 
business there ; making sales and shipping their goods, usually 
going in and out daily. Among them, as far as is ascertained, 
are the following, viz. : — T. & J. B. Clement, Abner Curtis, 
Hunt & Lane, Joseph Dill, Jenkins Lane & Sons, W. L. Reed, 
J. Vaughn & Hersey, Stetson Vaughn. And there are others 
of these who have offices in Boston and keep samples, viz. : — 
Jacob Shaw, M. & G. T. Nash, A. Whitmarsh, J. L. Nash, 
Whitmarsh Bros., Joseph Hunt, James F. Bigelow, Jacob 
Whiting, George Studley, Davis Gurney and Nahum Reed ; 
and there are, no doubt, others. 

There are, also, residents of this town who do not manu- 
facture, but do a large business in the boot and shoe line, 
having stores and offices in Boston, and who purchase goods 
to supply orders from various parts of the States. Among 
them are Samuel Blake, jr., (firm of Blake & Preston,) 
L. & I. Blanchard, Joseph Dill, and Martin S. Stetson & Co. 
These houses do a very extensive business (probably over 
half a million of dollars). The last named firm has two stores 
South and West — one at Mobile, Ala., and one at St. Paul, 
Minn. Another firm named above as manufacturers, L. Faxon 
& Co., have a shoe-store in Charleston, S. C, and do a large 
business. 

A house in San Francisco, California, composed of two 
individuals from this town, do a business of several hundred 
thousand dollars yearly (over half a million). The firm is 
" Hobart & Brother " (Benjamin and Joseph Hobart, sons of 
mine) ; they do business in connection with their brother-in- 
law, William H. Dunbar, of Boston. 



I/^r 




BOOTS AND SHOES. 151 

The shoe business commenced early in this town. From 
1800 to 1810 it was carried on in a small way. The late 
Deacon J. Cobb, Thomas Hunt, and others, manufactured and 
carried shoes about for sale in panniers and saddle-bags, on 
horseback, to Boston, New Bedford, Taunton, and other places. 
Asaph Dunbar began early to manufacture shoes, (about 
1826,) and sent them to Providence and other places in a 
horse wagon, and retailed them out. 

In this way the business went on increasing for a number 
of years, up to about 1826 ;* Thomas Hunt and Deacon James 



* The shoe business was introduced into Abington about the year 
1793, by Captain Thomas Hunt, son of Thomas Hunt, who came from 
Weymouth about 1770, and located in what is now called East Abing- 
ton, near the Weymouth line. There being a lai-ge number of sons in 
the family, it ocoirred to them that their hard, sterile fiirm, would not 
afford sufficient remuneration for all ; and Thomas, being the oldest, 
thought he would strike out and learn the art of making sale-shoes, — 
thinking, probably, that after a while it might become a business of 
considerable importance. Most of the shoemakers of that day were in 
the habit of going to houses of their customers and making up a stock 
of shoes for their families. This they called " Whipping the Cat." 
The sale-shoe business had been started about this time in Quincy, by 
a Mr. Webb. It being arranged for Thomas to go to Quincy, he gave 
an invitation to one or two of his young friends, by the name of Paine, 
who lived in Weymouth, to accompany him. At Quincy tliey learned 
the trade of making sale-shoes ; and, in due time, returned home pre- 
pared to teach others. Mr. Hunt commenced business in a small way. 
To get workmen he was obliged to take young men and teach them 
the trade. He had six brothers, who subsequently became shoe- 
makers'; and several of them did quite a large business in manu- 
facturing shoes for that day. About that time Colonel David Gloyd, 
a tanner, who lived in what is now called North Abington, thought he 
could manufacture sale-shoes to advantage. He applied to Captain 
Hunt to take charge of the business, and get it started. Captain Hunt 
consented to do this; and, wlicn he had accomplished the object, he 
left Gloyd, and commenced business again on his own account. In 
the absence of railroad accommodation for transportation, they used 
tlie more primitive way of packing the shoes in large saddle-bags, and 
placing them on the old family horse, mounting the nag, and trudging 
off to Boston, — returning thence in due time with two or three sides 



152 BOOTS AND shoes; 

Ford, at that time, manufactured extensively. Also, about 
tliis time, the late Mr. Seth Hunt and David Gloyd, with 
Joseph Cleverly, in company, sent shoes to New Orleans for 
a number of years ; Spencer Gloyd went there as their agent 
to do business for them. Asaph Dunbar and Joshua Whit- 
marsh, under the firm of "• Dunbar & Whitmarsh," did busi- 
ness there for several yeai's. Mr. Dunbar resided there for 
some time. 

From 1820 to 1830, Loud & Hunt, of East Abington, carried 
on the shoe business more extensively than it had ever been 
before in this town by any one individual or firm. They were 
unfortunate, and had to stop. 

Others besides those named, about this time, (1830 to 1835,) 
began to enlarge their manufacture of boots and shoes, and to 
extend sales in New Orleans, and to reside there, at different 
times and for different periods. Spencer Gloyd was a resident 
there for many years, and did quite a trade in the shoe line, 
receiving his stock from here. John Lane, of the firm of Lane 
& Reed, was out there some time after, and did business. 
Alden F. Dunbar, William H. Dunbar, and George C. Dunbar, 
have also done an extensive business there. 

The New Orleans market for the sale of boots and shoes, 
has been of great advantage to this town : greater quantities 
have been sent there than to any other mart. It began early ; 
gave a spring and great encouragement to the shoe trade, and 
did much to make this town Avhat it is in this leading manu- 
facture, and to extend the trade to all parts of the Union, and 
out of the same. 

A foreign demand sprung up early. About 1830, shoes 
"were sold to go to Cuba, a Spanish island in the West Indies. 
They were called Spanish shoes, made after a Spanish pattern. 



sole leather in one side of the bags, and, in the other, upper stock, 
and perhaps some small articles for family use. So things went on 
inci-easing as fast as the young men could be instructed, till from these 
small beginnings, the shoe trade of the town amounts to millions of 
dollars annually. 



BOOTS AND SHOES. 153 

An individual of this town, (Abner Curtis,) got hold of this 
trade, and pursued it for several years, (it is said, however, 
rather privately,) at a very profitable rate ; and it was thought 
to be a great help to his after success in business. He was 
successor to the firm of Loud & Hunt, which was a fortunate 
beginning. 

After about 1830 the shoe business extended rapidly in this 
town. Fifteen years before that date, (1815,) it was estimated 
to amount in the aggregate to $30,000 a year. In a conver- 
sation at that time, (I am informed by Colonel T. Hunt,) 
between his father, Thomas Hunt, David Gloyd, and the late 
John King, they agreed in that estimation as probable. In 
1837, and about twenty-three years after, it was stated in 
" Hobart's Sketclies of Abiugtou " to amount to $746,000 a 
year ; the number of pairs of shoes and boots returned (taken 
from a census) was, shoes, 520,208 pairs, boots, 98,081 pairs. 
The amount of business done in a year had increased in the 
twenty-three years from $30,000 to $746,000— an average 
annual increase of $41,000. Doubtless the increase was 
much greater in the latter part of this period. 

At this time, (I860,) taking the late census returns, 
$2,500,000, and the increase, for a like number of years, 
(twenty-three,) $1,754,000, we have an increase of a little over 
$76,000 annually. This is a most extraordinary result, and 
sliows that almost the whole energies of the town had become 
interested in the boot and shoe manufacture ; thousands were 
daily employed, of men, women and children, in this business. 

The sales of these manufactures are generally made on 
oi'ders, and directly to purchasers, who buy to sell again. 
But few are sold on commission. Merchants from all parts 
of the country visit the marts in this State, and trade person- 
ally. Some boot and shoe traders in Boston and elsewhere 
furnish stock to manufacturers, and pay for the making per 
pair. This is a safe way of doing business, and is in many 
cases very advantageous. The most extensive and successful 
establishment in this town (Jenkins Lane & Sons) have done 
their main business in this way for many years. 



154 BOOTS AND SHOES. 

The making of boots and shoes has become systematized 
and much improved. The process has been divided into 
different parts : the stock is cut up for the various sizes and 
qualities, packed, and put out to workmen, to be made up and 
finished. And in this preparation the various parts are done 
by machines and patterns, and have only to be put together 
and completed. 

The number of establishments for these preparations, and 
for carrying on the business, is very large ; some of the 
buildings for this purpose are capacious and expensive, — 
finished in good style, and painted. And there are three in 
which steam-power is used to facilitate the operations of 
cutting and preparing the stock for being put together ; and at 
the same time a portion of the steam is used to heat the 
factory in every apartment, by pipes running through it. 
These establishments are an ornament to the town, and are 
well fitted up for the purpose designed. One of these estab- 
lishments at East Abington belongs to Jenkins Lane, and is 
eighty feet by forty, four stories, besides the attic, and is com- 
pletely fitted in all parts for operation ; over seventy-five hands 
are employed. Anoflicr at South Abington belongs to William 
L. Reed, and is sixty feet long by thirty-five, equally well 
fitted up for the purposes intended. It has but recently been 
finished, and is very advantageously located, near the Old 
Colony Railroad Depot, and makes a very imposing appear- 
ance. About fifty hands are now employed in the factory. 
These two factories, with steam-engines and fixtures, co5t over 
twenty thousand dollars. Mr. Reed, at present, is manufac- 
turing jointly with Burrage & Henry, of Boston. Davis 
Guruey has lately added steam-power to his large shoe 
establishment at South Abington. 

The manufacture of boots and shoes has been the leading 
business of the town for many years ; it has given employ- 
ment, directly and indirectly, to most of the inhabitants. To 
this manufacture, Avith some otliers, (particularly the tack 
business,) is the town indebted mostly for its present standing 
in population and valuation, and in many other respects, as 
has been stated in former chapters. 



BOOTS AND SHOES. 155 

lu nothing, within my remembrance, has the town made a 
greater advance than in their buildings, particularly in 
dwelling-houses. I can remember when there were but eight 
or nine two-story dwelling-houses in town. Now the town is 
sprinkled all over with them ; many of them with modern 
improvements and conveniences, and some of them quite 
splendid. 

The superior character of the houses, at the present period, 
has resulted from the lucrative nature of the principal business 
of the town of which I am speaking ; and a great proportion 
of them, particularly the most elegant, are owned by persons 
engaged largely in that business ; and many, very many, of 
those of less cost, but neat and convenient, by other manufac- 
turei'S less extensively engaged in it, or by operatives. 

It seems, however, on the whole, that some change in this 
great and leading manufacture of boots and shoes is about to 
take place. Without noticing the present dull and depressed 
state of this business, (for this may be only temporary,) the 
introduction of machinery, driven by water or steam-power, 
and the great improvements made in the adaptation of such 
power to facilitate the manufecturing of these articles, will 
supersede much of the hand-labor employed. Even now, the 
introduction of machines operated by hand is thought to have 
had an etfect to lessen the call for hand-labor. When the 
thousands of machines now worked by hand shall be worked 
by steam or water-power, the proportionate demand for hand- 
labor must be greatly diminished, and the whole, or the greater 
proportion, of this manufacture will be done by large com- 
panies, or corporations, having large capitals. This has been 
the case in many other manufactures, once carried on by hand, 
as the making of nails, setting of card teeth, making cotton 
and wool cloth, tacks, and a great many other articles. 

In view of these prospective changes, — for it seems inevi- 
table that they will come, — it might seem wise for many, now 
employed in the boot and shoe business, to seek some better 
employment, or at least not to put too much dependence on 
this business. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

Incorporation of the Second Religious Society. — Obstacles attending 
it. — Constitution and Laws respecting the Support of Public 
Worsliip. — Modification of them in ISll. — Total Repeal of them in 
1833. — Result, entire Religious Freedom. — Statistics of the Second 
Religious Society, in South Abington, by the Pastor. 

There was but one religious society in Abingtou for about 
one hundred years ; the meeting-house of which, stood in the 
centre of the town. 

In 1807 a number of the inhabitants of Abington and of 
the parish in East Bridgewater, formed themselves into a 
religious society, and were incorporated in 1808 by the name 
of the " Union Calvinistic Society," in the south part of 
Abington. There was only one religious society in each of the 
above-named towns, and all within the bounds of them were 
taxed to support the same. 

The petition to the Legislature of the Commonwealth for 
this incorporation, was strenuously opposed by both societies. 
At a town meeting in Abington, April 6, 1807, it was voted 
not to set off Aaron Hobart, and others, to form a separate 
religious society in the south part of Abington, and at the 
same meeting it was voted to choose two agents to attend 
the General Court, and oppose the petitioners being set oiF. 
Daniel Lane, jr., and John King, were chosen. 

The parish in East Bridgewater also chose two agents to 
oppose the setting off of the petitioners from that society. 
The Abington petitioners urged before the Court's committee 
the saving in travel which they would make in attending 
public worship, which would average, on the whole, over two 
miles to each of them. The petitioners in the parish of East 
Bridgewater stated that to most of them there would be a like 
saving in travel ; and all of them plead that they could not, 
conscientiously, attend the public worship established in that 

(156) 




SKCOXD cox(iKi:(;AiH).\AL ( 111 ucii, s:Mru AHr.N(ir()N. 



SECOND EELIGIOUS SOCIETY. 157 

parisli ; and some of them stated that they had, on conscien- 
tious views, attended public worship at Abington (under Eev. 
Samuel Niles' ministry) for forty years, and during all that 
time had paid taxes to support religious worship in East 
Bridgewater Parish. The arguments against the incorpora- 
tion were, that it would have a tendency to break up town and 
parish lines, and disable or lessen the means of supporting 
public worship. To these arguments it was replied by the com- 
mittee of the petitioners, which was composed of Colonel Aaron 
Hobart, James Barrell, Simeon Gannett, and Benjamin 
Hobart, — that the petitioners were few in number in compari- 
son to those left, that being incorporated as a poll parish 
"would break up no town or parish lines, and that the societies 
left were abundantly able to support public worship. It was 
stated that the petitioners had paid their proportion of the 
settlement of the two ministers left, and that by being incor- 
porated into a distinct society they would relinquish all their 
interest in the two meeting-houses, the land on which they 
stood, and the two meeting-house bells. 

The agents of the two societies employed against the 
incorporation able counsel, and left nothing undone to defeat 
the petitioners, but they failed, and the incorporation was 
obtained. 

In respect also to the formation of the church, there was 
opposition. When a council met for this purpose, on the 
invitation of those who left the church in East Bridgewater, a 
remonstrance was handed in against the procedure. It was con- 
tended (if I recollect aright) that the council convened on that 
occasion had no authority, and that it Avas disorderly for them 
to take members of another church of the same denomination, 
and constitute them into a new church without the consent of 
the church from which they separated. The council, however, 
constituted them into a church. 

The church in Abington refused to set off a portion of her 

members, who wished to be organized into a church with those 

who receded from the church in East Bridgewater. After 

their organization, however, the church members in Abington 

U 



158 SECOND RELIGIOUS SOCIETY. 

who desired it, were dismissed, and recommended, and joined 
the newly constituted church. ^ 

In this opposition the late Rev. Samuel Niles took a promi- 
nent part ; but after the new church was constituted, he 
became reconciled to it, was in good fellowship with the 
church, and presided in their meetings before the ordination 
of tlie Rev. Daniel Thomas. 

The act incorporating the society in South Abington was 
very limited and stringent in its provisions. It provided that 
no person in Abington, or in the parish in East Bridgewater, 
should be allowed to join it after two years from its incorpor- 
ation, and limited the right afterwards of all those coming of 
age, and those moving into the town or parish, to one year to 
join the new society. And all those who did not join within 
these periods belonged to the old societies, and were held to be 
taxed there. And all those who did join were obliged to get 
a certificate of their so doing, and lodge it with the clerk of 
the town or parish from which they removed, before they 
could become members of the new society. 

These restrictions were in accordance with the State Consti- 
tution adopted in 1780. By it all persons were required to 
support public worship established in towns and parishes, with 
metes and bounds, and were liable to taxation for this purpose. 
There were some exceptions, as, for example, if they were of 
another denomination, and did and could conveniently attend 
some incorporated or legal society of their own faith, they 
might pay their taxes there. But this was very difficult to 
accomplish ; the legislature and the courts of law had the 
construction of the Constitution, and they abridged their 
liberty as much as possible. This toleration was limited 
almost wholly to the Baptist order ; and persons, to avail them- 
selves of it, must be members of this order by actual 
immersion. The Quakers had some privileges and some 
freedom. Under the denomination of Congrcgationalists and 
religious societies, almost all were rcquii*ed to support public 
worship within the town and parish lines where they happened 
to be born, however different their faith might be from the 
reisnin^r order. 



SECOND EELIGIOUS SOCIETY. 159 

The construction of the Constitution was somewhat modified 
by the State Legishjtui'e in 1811, after being rigidly enforced 
for thirty-one years. It was construed to give leave to every 
citizen of this Commonwealth to support public worship, or 
the teacher of his own sect or faith, whether the teacher be 
of an unincorporated or corporate religious society. It was 
added, however, provided there be any on whose religious 
instruction he usually attends. 

This proviso, however, was not much heeded, and it was 
seldom enforced. This new construction opened a wide door 
to the diiferent sects, particularly to the Methodists, and those 
who might join them. 

But in 1833, fifty-three years after the adoption of the 
Constitution, and Bill of Rights, in 1780, an entire revolution, 
in respect to religious societies and religious freedom, took 
place. By the amendment of the Constitution in that year, 
it was provided that all persons whatsoever, belonging to 
any religious society or denomination, shall be taken and 
held to be members of the same until they shall file with 
the clei'k of such society a written notice, declaring the 
dissolution of their membership ; and that from and after 
that time no person shall be required to belong to any 
religious society whatever : reserving, however, to all the 
religious societies in the Commonwealth, corporate or un- 
incorporate, the right to choose their religious teachers, — to 
raise money for their support, and for building and repairing 
houses of worship ; and providing that all denominations shall 
be equally under the protection of the law, and that no sub- 
ordination of any one sect to another shall ever be established 
by law. 

This change of the Constitution took place more than two 
hundred and forty years after the landing of the Pilgrims at 
Plymouth. They left their native land because of religious 
intolerance ; but strange to say, they became intolerant in 
their turn, as the Baptists and Quakers experienced. Roger 
Williams was driven to Rhode Island. 

Such entire freedom in religious matters, except in a few 



160 SECOND RELIGIOUS SOCIETY. 

States of the Union, never existed before in so large a com- 
munity in any age or country since the Christian era ; and 
there is nothing in the Jewish hierarchy to show that it ever 
did before. 

It was predicted at the time of this change that very bad 
consequences would follow. It was opposed by almost all the 
religious establishments in the State — the Baptist and Metho- 
dist denominations generally excepted. It is now twenty-seven 
years since this change, and these predictions have not been 
verified. Religious establishments have been well supported 
since, and, doubtless, in a much more peaceful and orderly 
way. If religious societies had continued to be supported by 
taxation of all within town or parish lines, or even in poll 
societies, great disorders and contentions would have prevailed. 
The subsequent addition to the population of men of no prin- 
ciples, of those of free principles, of the iiTcligious and of 
foreigners, formed a mixture of classes which could not, with 
the foi'mer law, have lived quietly and harmoniously. 

But after all, notwithstanding the necessity of these changes 
in later times, it was perhaps the best course our forefathers 
could adopt to insure the support of public worship, to requii-e 
all the inhabitants of towns to be taxed for that purpose. 
There were but a few religious sects at the time the Constitu- 
tion was adopted, and for many years after. Public morals 
required public worship to be supported. The Pilgrims 
brought their religious views with them, and their descen- 
dants for a long time were well united in sentiment. If some 
were taxed to support tenets which they did not approve, 
it was a sacrifice for the public good. Without the aid of all, 
religious institutions could not have been well supported. 
But when the population and wealth had greatly increased, 
and sects multiplied, the change, as above stated, became 
necessary. 

As a part of this chapter I insert, entire, a statement 
in respect to the Second Congregational Society and Church 
in South Abington, by the Rev. H. L. Edwards, their pastor. 



SECOND RELIGIOUS SOCIETY. 161 

South Abington, February 3, 18G0. 
Benjamin Hobart, Esq. : 

Dear Sir, — In compliance witli your request, I send you a 
few statistics of the Second Religious Society in Abington. 

The church was formed August 19, 1807, at the dwelling- 
house of Eleazar Whitman, wlio resided within the bounds of 
East Bridgewater. Meetings had been held at his house for 
some months previously, and preaching had been sustained. 
Meanwhile, (in May, 1807,) a meeting-house had been 
'' raised " in South Abington, on gi-ound (three-fourths of an 
acre) given by Ebenezer Porter, Esq., who still survives, at 
the advanced age of ninety-one years. The frame of the 
original house still stands. The first cost of the house was 
six thousand five hundred dollars. In a short time after the 
structure was raised, the people met within it on tlie Sabbath, 
and sat on rude benches, and their pleasure at having a more 
spacious and commodious place of worship, was well expressed 
by the text of the first sermon which was ever preached 
within its walls, — " I was glad when they said unto me, Let 
us go into the house of the Lord." 

This sermon was by the Rev. Daniel Thomas, who had for 
some time supplied the little flock in a private house, but who 
was not ordained till June 1, 1808, at which time the meeting- 
house, being completed, was dedicated, there being but one 
service for both occasions, which included a sermon from Rev. 
Otis Tliompson, of Rehoboth, deceased during the past year, 
at North Abington. He also preached the sermon at the 
organization of the church the year before, while the new 
house was barely clapboarded. The church grew out of 
doctrinal divisions in the Third Church of Bridgewater, now 
the Unitarian Church of East Bridgewater. Hence the 
preacher took for his text, — "Think not that I am come to 
send peace on earth : I came not to send peace, but a sword." 
The council was composed of church in Middleborough, Rev. 
Joseph Barker, pastor ; church in Plymouth, Rev. Adoniram 
Judson, pastor ; Rehoboth, Rev. D. Thomson ; and Fourth 
U* 



162 SECOND RELIGIOUS SOCIETY. 

Church, Bridgewater, Rev. Asa Meech. Sixteen persons 
were constituted a church. 

The aged people of Abington will be glad to be reminded 
of their names. Daniel Pratt, Simeon Gannett, Joseph 
Smith, Eleazer Washburn, James Barrell, John Porter, 
Betsey Gannett, Lydia Alden, Hannah Shaw, Mary Gannett, 
Betsey Noycs, Sarah Alden, Betsey Barrell, Deborah Reed, 
Mary Alden, Thankful Smith. 

But one of these is now living — John Porter, of East 
Bridgewater, who is ninety-three years old. Seven others 
tmited with the church before the close of 1807, — Joseph 
Gannett, Anna Gannett, Abigail DaAves, Nancy Gannett, 
Joseph Shaw, Olive Shaw, Susy Keith. 

Early in 1808, fifteen persons removed from First Church, 
Abington, Rev* Samuel Niles, pastor, viz., — Aaron Hobart, 
Ebenezer Noyes, Isaac Hobart, Eleazar Whitman, Bela Dyer, 
Josiah Torrey, William Hersey, Lydia Brown, Mary 
Whitman, Rachel Bates, Ruth Torrey, Ruth Dyer, Relief 
Harden, Mary Gurney, and Benjamin Hobart. I will add 
four other names, which were received the first year, making 
in all forty-two, — Susanna Keith, Ebenezer Shaw, Daniel 
Thomas, and Mary Bennett. 

I find that Beojamin Hobart acted as first scribe ; after- 
wards, Daniel Thomas, for the whole of his ministry ; after 
him, C. Dyer, jr., for several years, and then William Vining, 
who has served for the last ten years. 

The two first deacons were Josiah Torrey and ^leazar 
Whitman. Five have since been chosen to this office, — Isaac 
Reed, Philip Reed, James Soule, Luke B. Noyes, and Spencer 
Vining, — the last two still acting in this capacity. 

The parish was incorporated February 18, 1808, and num- 
bers, at present, about a liundred members. 

I find an elaborate proceeding the first year in respect to 
the election of choristers. The church appointed a committee, 
to be joined to a committee of the parish, to devise the best 
mode of electing choristers. This joint committee reported 
that " the choice of choristers shall be agreeable to the usual 



SECOND RELIGIOUS SOCIETY. 163 

practice in choosing ministers — that is to say, the election 
shall first be made by the church, and presented to tlie congre- 
gation for their concurrence ; but in case they do not concur, 
the church may proceed to another choice, and present their 
doings to the congregation as before, and so to proceed till an 
agreement can be obtained ; provided, nevertheless, that no 
person shall be considered as chosen, and act as chorister, 
unless the congregation shall concur in the whole number of 
persons elected, and returned by the church at any one time." 
Marcus Alden and Jacob Fullerton were elected ; and ten 
years later, Ephraim Spooner Jenkins, in place of Mr. 
Alden. 

There have been five seasons of specious religious interest, 
—in 1817, 1832, 1842, 1850, and 1857. Nineteen were 
added to the church in 1816 and 1817; thirty-one in 1832; 
thirty-three in 1842 ; fifty-six in 1850, and seventy in 1857. 
The church has had three hundred and eighty-five different 
members. The membership now is two hundred and thii'ty- 
six. 

Two hundred and eighty children have been dedicated in 
baptism. The Sunday School numbers, at present, two 
hundred or more different scholars. 

Missionary contributions commenced more particularly ia 
1835, and have been annually sustained. 

There have been five pastors, — Rev. Daniel Thomas, who 
was dismissed in 1842, after a ministry of thirty-five years ; 
Rev. Dennis Powers, who was dismissed in 1850, after a 
ministry of eight years ; Rev. Selden Haynes, who was 
dismissed in 1851, after a ministry of one year; and Rev. 
Alfred Goldsmith, who was dismissed in 1853, after a 
ministry of one year, who was succeeded January, 1855, by 
the present incumbent. 

H. L. Edwards. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

East Abington Eeligious Society (Congregational). 

The following statement respecting the Third Society, or 
Parish, in East Abington, is from the Rev. Horace D. Walker, 
their pastor. Some remai'ks in connection with the same are 
added : — 

The earliest record that seems to have reference to the 
Third, or East Parish of Abington, is dated September 6, 
1726. A committee was then appointed by the town to 
oppose, before the court, the petition of this people called in 
the article " The Drink-water People," (was it a testimony of 
their temperance principles ? ) to be set off as a separate 
parish. The town succeeded in defeating the project. 

There is a tradition also of efforts made or agitated for the 
erection of a house of worship near Bear Rock, a little south 
of the present house. 

In 1807, after the South Parish had been established, there 
was an unsuccessful effort to have the site of the present Town 
House selected as that of the house to be built for the First 
Parish, of which the East was then a portion. 

That effort failing, the matter rested until the venerated 
pastor, Samuel Niles, was laid aside by paralysis. It was felt 
then by the residents in the East section that the time for 
action had come. In other parts of the town there was 
strenuous opposition to the undertaking, because of the expense 
of new roads consequent, and because the people were thought 
to be too poor and feeble to caiTy it through successfully. The 
energy and perseverance of the East had not then been 
proved. 

These took hallowed form, when one Fast Day, as the 
■* (1G4) 



/^/ 



* 








JIIIRD { U.NGUEGATIOXAL CHITRCII, EAST ABINGTON. 



CONGREGATIONAL SOCIETY, EAST ABINGTON. 1G5 

country was dark with the gloomy forebodiugs of tlie war of 

1812, the people gathered at the spot now the site of the 
meeting-house of the East Parish, and, sitting on the rocks 
there, laid their plans, fixed their purpose, and entered upon 
sacrifices such as perhaps will never again be called for. 

October 27, 1813, sixteen months from the time the founda- 
tions were laid, the house was dedicated to the Avorship of 
God, and Rev. Samuel W. Colburn was installed as pastor. 
Those who attended that service speak of having driven as far 
into the wilderness as was possible, and theu making their 
way on foot to the house as best they could. 

The passage of Scripture read on that day was singularly 
appropriate. " Lo ! we heard of it at Ephrata, we found it in 
the fields of the wood ; we will go into his tabernacles, we will 
worship at his footstool." And the promise quoted in the 
closing prayer, — " He will give his angels charge over thee : 
they shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot 
against a stone," — had meaning for those who had so long 
struggled through such difficulties, and came that day by such 
rough paths to the house they had built for God. 

The names of the original members of the parish were not 
long since published in the Standard. The church consisted 
of thirteen members, viz, : Zebulon Payne, Ebenezer Reed, 
Goddard Reed, Samuel Reed, Thomas Reed, Elijah Shaw, 
Ephraim Stetson, Nathan Stoddard, Benjamin Vining, Rachel 
Lane, Sarah Payne, Polly Reed, Deboi-ah Smith ; of which 
number, Goddard Reed, Ebenezer Reed, Samuel Reed, and 
Deborah Smith are still living. It was formed at the house 
of Mr. Samuel Reed, August 27, 1813. 

Rev. Samuel W. Colbui-n was pastor from October 27, 

1813, to March 31, 1830. These were years of foundation 
work, — there could be in no respect the rapid development 
and progress of after years. During Mr. Colburn's ministry, 
thirty-four members were added to the church. Three years 
ago he passed to his rest, and his remains are in the cemetery 
at South Weymouth, beneath these simple and expressive 
words, — "Them that honor Me I will honor." His last 



166 CONGREGATIONAL SOCIETY, EAST ABINGTON. 

sermon was preached in East Abington a few weeks before 
his decease. 

Rev. Lucius Alden, now minister of New Castle, N. H., 
was installed December 5, 1832, and continued pastor until 
June 27, 1843. During his ministry, there were greater 
changes and development in the business relations and outward 
aspects of the parish. The house of Avorship was enlarged 
and improved, and the church received one hundred additions. 
When he left, so did he carry with him the respect and confi- 
dence of the people, that no man living would meet to-day a 
more cordial welcome in the pulpit aud in every home in East 
Abington. 

His successor, the writer of this communication, was 
ordained Februai'y 15, 1844, and is the present pastor. Since 
then the population and business of the place have probably 
trebled. The four not very convenient school-rooms have 
become nine, some of them certainly an honor and an orna- 
ment to the town. The parish has erected a new house of 
worship more suited to its circumstancss and wants, and the 
church, during his pastorate, has received one hundred and 
fifty-two to membership, and now numbers two hundred and 
twenty-five. A Baptist and a Methodist Society have also 
been formed. 

It is a singular fact in the history of the Congregational 
Society in East Abington, that all its onward movements have 
been made in seasons of great darkness and disaster. It was 
formed, and the first house built when the war of 1812 had 
gathered its gloom over the land. The commercial crisis of 
1837 came on as that first house was being i-emodelled and 
enlarged. The convulsions and crash of 1857 came just 
when the present commodious and beautiful structui-e was in 
process of erection. So always God has tested the faith and 
patience of His people, and enabled them to say " Jehovah 
Jireh." 

In addition to the above statements, I would say that no 
part of the town has made greater advances in buildings, 



Ill I'll 'k 




POLITICS. 167 

population, roads, business, agi'iculture, horticulture, and all 
the comforts and conveniences of domestic life. Some of 
their buildings are elegant, and of new and improved styles, 
while almost all their dwellings carry marks of neatness and 
content. Some of their boot and shoe establishments are 
among the first in town, and do a business of from one to two 
or three hundred thousand dollars each (an account of which 
business has already been given) . I was at the raising of the 
first meeting-house in 1812. I had to leave my carriage a 
long distance from the site, and walk through pastures, bushes, 
and woods. There was quite an assemblage on the occasion, 
as was the custom in those days on the raiting of meeting- 
house frames. There was quite a sprinkling of gay young 
ladies from this and other towns. I have always admired the 
wisdom and foresight of those who planned and fixed the 
location of the house ; most of whom have departed from 
worldly scenes, but a number of them remain to witness the 
success of their doings. No other location could have been 
pitched upon so accommodating for the whole parish and for a 
populous village, for their schools and houses of pubHc 
worship. 



CHAPTER XX. 



Politics. — Political Parties. — Popular Elections. 

This town has always taken a very active part in political 
matters ; and, generally, there have been two opposing parties, 
which at times have been bitter opponents of each other. The 
ascendant party has generally been on the popular side of 
political questions, and advocated equal rights and protection 
to industry. There have been many changes of political 
views, which at times have been vehemently urged and carried 
out, and soon after abandoned. Sectarianism has been made 



168 ^ POLITICS. 

to influence political matters ; party hobbies have been made 
of questions of morality ; the ballot-box has been used for the 
election of unworthy political aspirants to office, rather than 
for that of able and judicious men, to aid in passing laws for 
the good of the whole community. Such abuses have not been 
confined to this town. 

During the Presidency of General "Washington, the country 
was divided into two great political parties, denominated 
Federalists and JRepublicans. They were rather belligerent 
parties, than American. The French Revolution was iu 
progress at that time, which, in its terrible convulsions, shook 
all the thrones and governments of Europe to their founda- 
tions. England opposed a shield to this sweeping revolution, 
and was carrying on a deadly war against France. The 
Federalists Avere the apologists and supporters of the English 
iu this war. The Republicans were equally zealous in favor 
of the French Revolution and the French Government, 
believing, at the time, that they were adopting free principles 
and free institutions. These parties were exceedingly hostile 
t(f» each other : the Federalists called the Republicans 
" Jacobins," after a vile club in France ; the Republicans 
called their opponents '■'■Feds" and "Monarchists." They 
exhibited badges of distinction in the shape of cockades, worn 
on the side of their hats, about the size of a silver dollar, — 
handsomely wrought, and sewed on. The Federalists adopted 
the black, or English cockade ; the Republicans the white, or 
French cockade. These badges were worn generally through- 
out the country, and not left oflT in going to the temples of 
worship. Civil commotions were apprehended ; in fact col- 
lisions did take place, and the opposite parties, in many 
instances, tore the cockades from each other's hats. I was 
present when the white cockades first appeared in Mr. Niles' 
meeting-house, then the only one in town. Threats were 
understood to have been thrown out that their appearance 
would be resisted. The wearers of them entered the meeting- 
house with a firm tread, carried their hats in their hands, turned 
up so that the badge could be seen, and marched in a squad 



POLITICS. 169 

througli the aisle on the lower floor into the gallery. There 
was, however, no collision on that occasion ; indignant feelings 
were excited, but the sanctity of the place, and the sacredness 
of the day, prevented any. 

At this time of great excitement, Washington issued his 
proclamation of neutrality in respect to England and France, 
which made him many enemies, especially at the South. This 
was one of the most important acts of his whole life ; but this 
did not quell the animosity of the two parties. 

After "Washington's Presidency, John Adams, (the first 
Adams,) was chosen President of the United States in 1797. 
The Republicans, or French party, were bitter opponents of 
his administration, and thwarted him in all his measures. 
The alien- and sedition laws were passed by the Federalists, to 
shield him from his opponents, the Republicans. A war 
betwixt France and the United States ensued. France relied 
upon the Republican party in this country to join and aid 
them in this war. Previous to this, under Washington's 
administration, the French, who were then at war with 
England, presumed to appeal to their partizans in this country, 
and thought they could easily enlist them in the cause of 
France, whatever might be the determination of the Federal 
administration. Genet, the French Minister to the United 
States, in accordance with these views, presumed on fitting out 
privateers from the port of Charleston, S. C, to cruise against 
the enemies of France, — nations at peace with the United 
States. He also projected hostile expeditions from Charleston 
and Georgia, against Florida, and the same from Kentucky, 
against New Orleans and Louisiana, before these territories 
had become parts of the United States, and put them in a 
train of execution. The Cabinet disapproved his conduct, and 
finally determined to put the laws in force. He accused the 
Executive of malconduct, and threatened an appeal to the 
people. Notwithstanding these insults, he was received with 
great enthusiasm at the South, and at one time with extrava- 
gant marks of joy at Philadelphia. At the remonstrance of 
the Administration he was finally recalled by his Government. 
15 



170 POLITICS. 

Thus the South at that time were favorers of French politics, 
and have been so ever since, and hostile to England ; and now 
they are on their bended knees, praying that Government to 
aid them in their present rebellion, and to raise the blockade 
of their ports. 

After the most severe political contest ever known in this 
country, Thomas Jefferson was chosen President, as successor 
to Mr. Adams, by the Republican, or French party of that 
day. His main support was from the South. He was 
inaugurated the 4th cf March, 1801. His election was the 
dissolution of the Federal party, and the overthrow of the 
Adams administration ; and it gave the Southern, or slave 
States, with the aid of the office-seekers of the North, Avith 
some slight exceptions, the ascendancy in the government of 
the country, from that time to the last Presidential election 
of Mr. Lincoln — over fifty years. 

Here we see the folly and madness of our foreign predilec- 
tions, party spirit, and sectional divisions. These evils com- 
menced at the very first administration of our Government, 
and have been the bane of the country ever since ; — appearing 
at different times, under new party names and divisions, but 
always the same enemy to our peace and happiness, until they 
have broken out in rebellion, and plunged the country into a 
most deadly civil war. Washington foresaw all this, and 
issued his proclamation of neutrality ; and in his Farewell 
Address warned his countrymen against these evils. Had the 
people of the United States adhered to his precepts, how much 
misery and distress might have been avoided. 

It is to be hoped a new era will commence when this 
rebellion is put down, (as most assuredly it will be, in a short 
time,) and that there will be only one great. Constitutional, 
Union party. Had such a party existed when the black and 
white cockades were hoisted, these badges of party spirit 
been thrown to the winds, and the principles of Washington's 
Farewell Address adopted and adhered to, the present de- 
plorable civil war would never have occurred. The inhabi- 
tants of this town, and of other towns of the country generally. 



POLITICS. 171 

little thought that when these party divisions commenced, 
over sixty years ago, they would result in a bloody civil war, 
with the loss of thousands of millions of dollars, and hundreds 
of thousands of human lives. 

Besides the baneful influence of parties in this town, iu 
relation to national and State affairs, we have been divided 
and embroiled on other questions, not of a national or State 
character. Among the party divisions, we may name au 
Anti-Masonic party, an Anti-Slavery party, a Come-Outers, a 
Free-Soilers, aTemperance, and a Know-Nothing party. These 
parties have never been recognized as State or national parties : 
they have been town parties, and have caused much vexation 
and many ill feelings. The object of these parties, as has been 
avowed, was to correct errors and reform abuses through the 
ballot-box. It will not be necessary to notice in detail these 
parties ; most of them have passed away as an untimely birth. 
I will only refer to one or two of them, — the Anti-Mason, and 
the Anti-Slavery party ; and here it may be asked, what great 
good have these done, or the others of less note, and what 
abuses have they corrected ? 

The Anti-Mason party took its rise in this town, over thirty 
years ago, on account of the alleged murder of a revealing 
Mason, by the name of Morgan. It was an exceedingly 
bitter and persecuting party. They carried the election of 
their partisans for town officers and Representatives to the 
State Legislature for a number of years, and so did some 
other towns in the State, and Senators Avere chosen of the 
same cast by Senatorial districts. The vote in this town for. 
Anti-Masonic Senators, in 1831, was for Nathan Lazell, jr., 
242; for John B. Thomas, 241, and they were chosen; all 
others had only 17 votes. They went so far as to vote to take 
from the jury-box the names of persons who were Free- 
masons, as unworthy to be trusted on a jury. Those who did 
not join them in their persecutions were called " Jack Masons,'" 
and one Jack Mason was considered worse Ihan a whole lodge 
of Freemasons. I had this reproach cast upon me by a 
prominent leader of the party, because I would not vote to 



172 POLITICS. 

throw out of the jury-box the names of Freemasons. This 
party died out in a few years : a remnant of it Avas transferred 
or went over to the Democratic party. At that time there 
were not over a half dozen of the craft in town. Now there 
are one or two organized lodges, and the craft has increased 
tenfold ; yet there is not a whisper raised against them by 
their opponents of that day. Here Ave see the deplorable 
effects of an abuse of the elective franchise by a party 
organization, resulting in nothing but the election of a few of 
their partisans to some minor offices. 

The Anti-Slavery party has had a longer day and a more 
exciting one in this town. But it has never become an 
organized State or national party. It never can succeed in 
securing the object of its votai'ies, only by an alteration of the 
Constitution itself for that purpose. Any party or State that 
should undertake the abolition of slavery in the United States 
in any other Avay, would be pronounced rebellious, and would 
never succeed. The very rebellion noAV Avaged by the slave 
States in violation of the Constitution, may, instead of 
strengthening the slave power, prove its overthroAv. There is 
one result of the Avar against the Southern Rebellion Avhich 
was not anticipated until it began to display itself in the 
exercise of the military poAver in respect to slaves. They 
were declared contraband of war ; aud Avhen captured, were 
confiscated and restored to freedom. If the rebellion is put 
doAvn by the present war, (as no doubt it will be,) why may not 
slavery be entirely abolished in all the slave States in the same 
way ? This process for the overthrow of slavery is a wonder- 
ful Avorking of Divine Providence, unthought of by the free States 
until it began to develop itself. The free States could approach 
the subject, only by declaring war against the slave States. 
This would have been a violation of the Constitution and our 
compact with the South, and Avould have placed us in the 
wrong, and we could not have succeeded. Even now, Avhen 
the rebel States are in the wrong, and have taken up arms 
against us, they have many sympathizers, both at home and 
abroad. 



POLITICS. 173 

The Anti-Slavery party, althougli honest and sincere, could 
propose no just way for the abolition of slavery; hut when 
the Lord in His Divine Providence opened a way, all the free 
States become anti-slavery. For these results the slave States 
may thank themselves, for they Avill be brought about mainly 
as the fruits of their own folly and madness in secession, 
rebellion, and civil war. 

The two great divisions of parties have always been 
Southern and Northern, under various names. The Southern 
division, since the days of Pi'esident Adams, has ruled the 
country, with the aid of partisans and office-seekers of the 
North. Two Pi-esidents, by aid of the Whig party, have 
been elected under the influence of the North, — General 
Harrison and General Taylor ; they held the office however 
but a short time, being removed by death ; and the administra- 
tion was continued in the one case under John Tyler, and in the 
other, imder Millard Fillmore. At the close of Fillmore's term, 
the administration fell under Southern influence, and into Demo- 
cratic hands. The last election of President, when Abraham 
Lincoln was chosen, changed the order of things, and has given 
rise to a second revolution of independence, which will doubt- 
less confirm the principles of the first revolution, and render 
the United States " one and indivisible." The Southern 
influence never prevailed in this town, and never had a 
majority in its support. The Democrats, their allies, have 
always been a small minority, and have never carried a 
majority for any of their candidates to office. 

Since writing the above, (1865,) Congress has, by the 
requisite Constitutional majority, passed a resolution to amend 
the Constitution of the United States of America, excluding 
slavery from the same, and many of the State Legislatures 
have ratified the amendment. No doubt the requisite three- 
fourths of them will be secured. So slavery will soon be 
constitutionally abolished in the United States of America, — 
one very important result of this wicked war. 
15* 



CHAPTER XXI. 

Politics. — Political Parties. — Popular Elections. 

IConcluded.'] 

' This town has become of considerable importance in State 
jvnd county elections, on account of its increased number of 
voters. This increase has been according to the increase 
of population, which was, in 1860, 8,527, and the number of 
voters about 1,900. The votes for Governor since 1800 will 
show a surprising change. The votes at each decade stood 
thus:— 1800, 123; 1810, 156; 1820, 214; 1830, 225; 1840, 
655 ; 1850, 822 ; 1860, 1,361. This great increase of voters 
has given the town a great influence in elections, especially in 
the county and in the Senatorial and Congressional Districts. 
To illustrate this, it may be stated that a few years since it so 
happened that when all the votes, except from Abington, for 
an election of a Register of Deeds, were returned to Plymouth, 
it was found there were wanted nearly six hundred votes to 
make a choice of one of the candidates, and he despaired of 
an election ; but when the votes from Abington came in, he 
was elected by a handsome majority ! this town giving about 
as many votes for him as some half of the towns in the 
county did. 

The influence of this town in elections, owing to this large 
vote, has been greatly extended of late years by making a 
large number of county officers elective by the towns, instead 
of being appointed by the Governor and Council, as formerly. 
These are tlie County Commissioners, Sheriff, Register of 
Deeds, Register of Probate, County Treasurer, and Clerk 
of the Courts. The policy of this change has been miich 
doubted, as it takes away official independence, and occasions 
frequent changes in office, which are often attended with much 
inconvenience and loss to the public interest. 

(174) 



POLITICS. 175 

The large number of voters in town, and the increased 
number of officers to be elected, have given to the leading 
party, (and always will to a leading party,) great influence, 
which has been much increased by a law whicli re- 
quires only a plurality to elect to office. The good old law 
which required a majority to elect has lately been repealed. 
Under these circumstances, a party organization with much 
less than a majority of the voters in town, probably with less 
than one-third, or even one-quarter, can carry elections, and 
rule the town. Other opposite parties in town will not unite 
to oppose the leading party. Many judicious citizens will not 
join themselves to any party organization, to attend caucuses 
and to become politicians ; and so absent themselves from 
town meetings and political elections. 

There is another thing that has given to the town, or a 
leading party in it, great, if not undue influence : party 
caucuses and conventions usually precede elections, to nomi- 
nate candidates, and woe be to the candidates that are put up in 
opposition to the party delegates from this town, for their 
support is worth more than the delegates of a dozen other 
towns in the county that are small and nearly equally divided. 

There is another change from what it was formerly : men 
in office then were continued for years by re-election ; but now 
there is a constant change, as will appear in the list of Repre- 
sentatives from this town to the General Court. There is, of 
late years, such a thirst for olBce, that an incumbent has no 
chance of permanence. He may hold his office for one or two 
years, but seldom longer. Rotation in office is the order of 
the day ; and from this the commuoity suflfers most. Ex- 
perience and influence are lost to such, and their use is 
limited. 

The following is a list of the Representatives to the General 
Court from this town, since its incorporation, both under its 
Colonial and State Governments, as fouud on record. A con- 
siderable portion of the list has been taken from the General 
Court's records, as the town records are very deficient previous 
to the State Government. The first choice of a Representative 



176 



POLITICS. 



on the town's books was in 1735, and then there is no record 
of any one being chosen until 1753 (eighteen years). Doubt- 
less there were others chosen during that period, but not 
recorded. For the names of tliose found on the State records 
I am indebted to the " Sketches of the Town of Ahington,'' by 
the late Hon. Aaron Hobart, of East Bridgewater, and for 
others to the kindness of the Town Clerk, N. T. Hunt, Esq. 
The whole list is as follows, viz. : — 



REPRESENTATIVES . 



1735. 
1753. 
1754. 
1755. 
1756. 
1757. 
1758. 
1759. 
1760. 
1761. 
1762. 
1763. 



Samuel Pool, Esq. 
Mr. Jacob Porter. 
Mr. Jacob Porter. 

Mr. Jacob Porter. 

Mr. Jacob Porter. 
Capt. Woodbridge Brown. 
Capt. Woodbridge Brown. 
Capt. Woodbridge Brown. 
Capt. Woodbridge Brown. 
Capt. Woodbridge Brown. 



1764. 

1765. Deacon Samuel Pool. 

1766. Capt. Woodbridge Brown. 

1767. Capt. Woodbridge Brown. 

1768. Capt. Woodbridge Brown. 

1769. Capt. Woodbridge Brown. 

1770. Capt. Woodbridge Brown. 

1771. Capt. Woodbridge Brown. 

1772. Capt. Woodbridge Brown. 

1773. Capt. Woodbridge Brown. 

1774. Capt. Woodbridge Brown. 



DELEGATES. 

Delegates to the First Provincial Congress, at Salem, 
October 5, 1774, Capt. Woodbridge Brown and Dr. David" 
Jones. 

Delegate to the Second Provincial Congress, at Cambridge, 
February 1, 1775, Capt. Woodbridge Brown. 

Delegate to the Third Provincial Congress, at Watertown, 
July 31, 1775, Dr. David Jones. 



REPRESENTATIVES. — [^Continued.'] 



1776. 
1777. 
1778. 
1779. 
1780. 
1781. 
1782. 
1783. 
1784. 
1785. 



Capt. Woodbridge Brown. 
Capt. William Keed. 
Deacon Samuel Pool. 



Lieut. Samuel Brown. 
Lieut. Samuel Brown. 
Lieut. Samuel Brown. 
Lieut. Samuel Brown. 
Lieut. Samuel Brown, 



1786. Lieut. Samuel Brown. 

1787. Jacob Smith, Esq. 

1788. Jacob Smith, Esq. 

1789. Jacob Smith, Esq. 

1790. Jacob Smith, Esq. 

1791. Jacob Smith, Esq. 

1792. Col. Luke Bicknell. 

1793. Col. Aaron Hobart. 

1794. Col. Aaron Hobart. 

1795. Col. Aaron Hobart. 



POLITICS. 



177 



1796. Col. Aaron Ilobart. 

1797. Col. Aaron Hobart. 

1798. Col. Aaron Hobart. 

1799. Col. Aaron Hobart. 

1800. Col. Aaron Ilobart. 

1801. Col. Aaron Hobart. 

1802. Col. Aaron Hobart. 

1803. Col. Aaron Hobart. 
1801^. Col. Aaron Hobart. 

1805. Col. Aaron Hobart. 

1806. Col. Aaron Hobart. 

1807. Nutlian Gurney, jr., Esq. 

1808. Rev. Samuel Niles. 

1809. Rev. Samuel Niles. 

1809. Natban Gurney, jr., Esq. 

1810. Rev. Samuel Niles. 

1810. Natlian Gurney, jr., Esq. 

1811. Rev. Samuel Niles. 

1811. Natban Gurney, jr., Esq. 

1812. Natlian Gurney, jr., Esq. 

1812. James Bates, Esq. 

1813. Natlian Gurney, jr., Esq. 

1814. Natban Gurney, jr., Esq. 

1815. Natban Gurney, jr., Esq. 
181G. Natban Gurney, jr., Esq. 

1817. Not represented. 

1818. Not represented. 

1819. Not represented. 

1820. Not represented. 

1821. Nathan Gurney, Esq. 

1822. Not represented. 

1823. Not represented. 

1824. Not represented. 

1825. Not represented. 

1826. Not represented. 

1827. Jared Wbitman, Esq. 

1828. Benjamin Hobart, Esq. 

1828. Mieah Pool, Esq. 

1829. James Bates, Esq. 

1830. James Bates, Esq. 

1830. Mieah Pool, Esq. 

1831. James Bates, Esq. 
1831. Mieah Pool, Esq. 

1831. John Cushing, Esq. 

1832. James Bates, Esq. 
1832. Mieah Pool, Esq. 

1832. John Cushing, Esq. 

1833. James Bates, Esq. 
1833. Mieah Pool, Esq. 

1833. John Cushing, Esq. 

1834. James Bates, Esq. 



1834. Mieah Pool, Esq. 

1834. John Cushing, Esq. 

1835. James Bates, Esq. 
1835. Mieah Pool, Esq. 

1835. John Cushing, Esq. 

1836. John Cushing, Esq. 

1837. Not represented. 

1838. James Bates, Esq. 

1838. Mr. Harvey Torrey. 

1839. Mr. Harvey Torrey. 
1839. Eiihu Hobart, Esq. 

1839. James Ford, jr., Esq. 

1840. Joseph Cleverly. 

1841. Voted not to send. 

1842. Voted not to send. 

1843. Voted not to send. 

1844. Voted not to send. 

1845. Goddard Reed. 

1846. Jenkins Lane. 

1847. Voted not to send. 

1848. Zenas Jenkins, 2d. 

1849. William P. Corthell. 

1850. James W. Ward. 

1850. Isaac Hersey. 

1851. James W. Ward. 

1851. Isaac Hersey. 

1852. Elijah Shaw. 

1852. William P. Corthell. 

1853: Voted not to send. 

1854. Nahum Moore. 

1854. Alexander Alden. 

1855. James M. Pool. 

1855. Nathan S. Jenkins. 

1856. James W. Ward. 

1856. Daniel U. Johnson. 

1857. William L. Reed. 

1857. Daniel U. Johnson. 

1858. William L. Reed. 

1858. Daniel U. Johnson. 

1859. Meritt Nash. 

1859. Benjamin Frost. 

1860. Otis W. Soule. 

1860. Isaiah Jenkins. 

1861. Otis W. Soule. 

1861. Isaiah Jenkins. 

1862. Jacob B. Harris. 

1862. Horace Reed. 

1863. Horace Reed. 

1863. Ezekiei R. Studley. 

1864. Henry A. Noyes. 
1864. Jonathan Arnold, jr.* 



* The Representatives for the last four years, (1861, 1862, 1863, and 1864,) were 
chosen after the previous list was made out, and are not included in any remarks 
following. 



178 POLITICS. 

DELEGATES. — [ Continued.^ 

"Woodbridge Brown, delegate to the Convention held at 
Faneuil Hall, in Boston, September 22, 1768. 

Dr. David Jones, delegate to the Convention at Concord, 
1779, assembled to take into consideration the depreciated 
state of the currency. 

Dr. David Jones, delegate to the Convention at Cambridge, 
in September, 1779, to form a State Constitution. 

Rev. Samuel Niles, delegate to the Convention at Boston, 
in 1788, to act on the ratification of the Federal Constitution. 

Nathan Gurney and Jared Whitman, Esquires, delegates to 
the Convention assembled at Boston, November 15, 1820, to 
revise the Constitution of the Commonwealth. 

James M. Pool, delegate to the State Convention in 1853, 
to revise the State Constitution. 

SENATORS FROM THE PLYMOUTH DISTRICT, RESIDENTS OF 
THIS TOWN. 

Jared "Whitman, Esq., two years, 1838 and 1839. 

Rev. James "W. Ward, one year, 1854. 

Levi Reed, Esq., one year, 1859, and was chosen State 

Auditor in 1860. 
William L. Reed, chosen Senator in 1864. 

By the foregoing list, it appears, as noted above, that 
formerly Representatives were continued in office much longer 
than of late years. Capt. Jacob Porter was elected to that 
office four years ; Capt. Woodbridge Brown fifteen years, 
besides being a delegate to the First Provincial Congress at 
Salem, October 5, 1774, and the Second Provincial Congress 
at Cambridge, July 31, 1775. It is now (1862) one hundred 
years since his fourth election to the office of Representative, 
in 1762. Lieut. Samuel Brown was continued in office six 
years ; Jacob Smith five years ; Col. Aaron Hobart (my 
father) fourteen years in succession ; Nathan Gurney, jr., 
held the office for ten years, eight of them in succession. His 



POLITICS. 179 

last election was in 1821, which was the only election in ten 
years, from 1817 to 1826. There was then a disposition for 
a change to shorter periods of office. The reason why there 
was no election but of him in those ten years, was, the Repub- 
licans were divided, and when he was nominated a candidate 
by his friends, the Federalists would vote for him, but they 
would always join to vote not to send. In this way, by their 
aid, the Republicans, opposed to him, defeated his election by 
voting not to send. Rev. Samuel Niles was elected four years 
in succession ; James Bates nine years, seven of them in suc- 
cession. Plis first election was in 1812, sixteen years before 
his next election. Micah Pool, Esq., seven years, six in 
succession ; John Gushing six years continuously. Two were 
chosen for three years each, viz. : James "W". Ward and Daniel 
U. Johnson ; five for two years each, viz. : Deacon Samuel 
Pool, Harvey Torrey, Isaac Hersey, William P. Corthell, 
William L. Reed ; sixteen for one year only, viz. : Samuel 
Pool, Esq., Jared Whitman, Benjamin Hobart, EHhu Ilobart, 
James Ford, jr., Joseph Cleverly, Goddard Reed, Jenkins 
Lane, Zenas Jenkins, Elijah Shaw, Nahum Moore, Alexander 
Alden, Nathan S. Jenkins, James M. Pool, Meritt Nash, 
» Benjamin Frost, Otis W. Soule and Isaiah Jenkins (1860). 
The two last were re-elected in 1861, and are not included in 
our calculation. Here we see that ten of the Representatives 
above named were in office eighty years, averaging eight years 
each, up to 1838 ; two for three years each — six years ; five 
for two years each — ten years ; and sixteen for one year each 
— sixteen years; in all, thirty-three members up to 1860 — 
twenty-three of these averaging less than one and one-half 
years each. 

The sixteen members thus chosen for one year only, are 
one-half, wanting a fraction, of the whole number (thirty- 
three) chosen, as found on record, since the incorporation of 
the town, one hundred and fifty years ago. Such frequent 
change was not the practice in former times. A Rei^resenta- 
tive chosen for one year has no influence but by his mere 
vote, and having no experience in legislation, he has got to 



180 POLITICS. 

acquire it, and to learn the rules and orders and the mode of 
legislative proceedings, and this in one season, as of late years 
there is but one session in a year. For one year only he cannot 
bring much aid to the labors of legislation. 

Besides these inconveniences, a Representative, himself 
elected for one year only, must feel somewhat degraded to be 
superseded the next. If he was qualified to be chosen at first, 
why not to be continued by re-election ? Such a neglect 
implies a reproach on his official conduct, and may injure him 
as a candidate for any other office in town, county, district, or 
State. So, on the other hand, a re-election to the Legislature 
for a few years would enable him to be much more useful, 
and would be a recommendation to him to fill a higher office. 
•■ Such vacillation in the election of officers may be owing to 
the great number of offices created of late years, to be filled 
by primary elections of the people, instead of being appointed 
by the Governor and Council, as formerly, and the great 
number of aspirants to fill them. So great is the rage for 
office, that rotation is the order of the day, and the incumbent 
is limited to the shortest period possible, to make room for 
another. Such struggles are mostly confined to party politi- 
cians on a small scale, whilst the better qualified, men of 
business and men of wealth, will not mingle in such party 
strife, and, in fact, are*not wanted, and are generally pro- 
scribed from office. 

As there is now a great revolution going on in the country, 
occasioned by the present civil war, it is believed that a 
second independence will be achieved, and that the relative 
situation of political parties Avill be greatly changed, if not 
entirely broken up, and that a better state of things will exist, 
in a united support of the Union and Constitution. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

Oration, July i, 1805 

The following Oration is printed from a gecond edition, 
published a few years since, by request. It is allowed a place 
in these Reminiscences, as giving an account of the political 
state of the times, sixty years ago ; and perhaps no statement, 
made ^ow from memory, would portray it nearly as well. 
When it was written, parties were greatly excited, and 
opponents were very bitter. 

The Oration was delivered in the meeting-house where the 
Rev. Samuel Niies preached. The house was very full, not- 
withstanding there was not one of the Federal party who 
attended. At the close of the services at the meeting-house, 
a very sumptuous dinner was served up at Brown's Hall. A 
baud of music was in attendance. A list of regular, and 
many volunteer toasts were given. The artillery company, 
commanded by Captain Noah Ford, did the escort duties of 
the day, paraded in front of the hall, and fired a gun or two 
at the announcement and reception of each toast, with music 
intervening. An account of the celebration was published in 
the Republican newspapers in Boston and elsewhere : that 
account is subjoined. (I can remember one or two of the 
Glees by the band. One was "Go to the Devil and Shake 
Yourself." Parties did not mince the matter then, when 
speaking of their opponents. Another one was, " O Dear, 
Dear, What can the Matter be?") I was quite abashed when 
the procession started to go to the meeting-house. Mr. Niles 
and the orator of the day were at the head of it. Mr. 
Niles compelled me to walk at his right hand, saying it was 
my place, as I was the orator of the day. Mr. Niles occupied 
the pulpit with me, and offered an appropriate prayer. I 
spoke the Oration entirely from memory : it was well received, 
16 (181) 



182 ORATION. 

and warmly applauded. How few of those who attended that 
celebration are now living ! 

\^From the Lidependent CJironicle, July 11, 1805.] 
At Abington — The morning of the Fourth of July was 
ushered in Avith the firing of cannon. Captain Noah Ford, 
with his well-disciplined and truly martial company of 
Artillery, and Lieutenant Brackley Gushing, with the newly- 
formed and completely-equipped company of Light Infantry, 
did the military honors of the day. The Infantry, as their 
captain (Calvin Shaw, jr.) refused to call them out, spiritedly 
came forward as volunteers, under the command of the 
lieutenant. Under the escort of these patriotic companies a 
very respectable procession moved from Mr. Brown's hall to 
the meeting-house. After the Throne of Grace was addressed 
by the Rev. Samuel Niles, and the Declaration of Indepen- 
dence was read, a spirited and patriotic oration was pronounced 
by Benjamin Hobart, A. B. It was received Avith those lively 
emotions which fully evinced a coincidence of sentiments and 
feelings betwixt the orator and his audience. A choir of vocal 
and instrumental music, consisting of ladies and gentlemen of 
the place, added very much to the performances of the day. 
Two patriotic Odes, set to music for the occasion by Mr. 
David Pool, of this town, excited the admiration of all present. 
Returning from the public exercises, and after a salute of 
seventeen cannon, a respectable company sat down to an 
excellent repast, prepared by Mr. Samuel Brown, in his newly 
erected and elegant hall. Mr. Nathan Gurney, jr., was 
chosen President for the occasion, and a committee was 
appointed to inquire of the orator whether he would furnish a 
copy of his oration for the press. After passing the day in 
hilarity and good order, every man returned seasonably to his 
own home, proud that he was an American. 
The following Toasts were given : — 

1. The Day we Celebrate — A day to be held in remem- 
brance until liberty and the rights of man shall be banished 
from our country. 



ORATION. 183 

2. Tlie Patriots and Heroes of '76 — "Whose toll won and 
"whose blood sealed our Independence. 

3. The Right of Election — May its exercise ever display 
the omnipotency of the people and the triumph of good 
principles. 

4. The Pre'Adent of the United States — The man of our 
choice, great in council, mild towards his enemies, but firm 
and unmovable as the Andes, in the defence of his country's 
rights. 

5. The Vice-President and Bepullican Members of Congress. 

6. The Constitution of the United States — We pledge our 
lives and property in its defence. 

7. The Militia^ Our Best Defence — May it ever supersede 
the necessity of a standing army. 

8. Liberty of Speech and of the Press — Their abuses cor- 
rected by the civil law. 

9. Our Navy, already Crowned with Laurels — May it teach 
the pirates of Tripoli, under their very walls and ramparts, 
that we have millions for a just defence, but not a cent for 
tribute. 

10. Louisiana — The honorable price of gold, and not the 
dislionorable price of blood. 

11. The Heads of the General Departments of Government 
—A bright constellation of worthies. 

12. Reason and Revelation, the best Gifts of Heaven — May 
they influence the world in Politics and Religion. 

13. James Sullivan and William Heath, and the thirty- 
three thousand electors who supported them for the first offices 
in the State. 

14. Massachusetts — Fast returning to first principles in 
opposition to hosts and juntos. 

15. Education — The polar star of America. 

16. Federalism, like an old Decrepid Sinner upon his Last 
Legs — May repentance precede its final dissolution. 

17. The fair Daughters of Columbia — May they have 
Republican husbands. [Addition, by a volunteer.] — And 
may Federal wives ever bring forth Republican sons. 



184 ORATION. 



VOLUNTEERS. 



By Colonel Aaron Hohart — The people in whom dwells the 
sovereign power of our country ; may they ever maintain the 
principles of our revolution, in opposition to tyranny and 
federalism. 

By Mr. James Thomas, of Bridgewater — May the elected 
in the councils of America be men of information, probity 
and integrity ; and may the electors never conceive any magic 
in elections, or that they can add one cubit to the mental 
stature of the elected. 

By 3fr. Elijah Shaio — Our deservedly respected young 
friend and patriot, the Orator of the Day. 

By Mr. Daniel Lane, jr. — President Jefferson, shielded by 
virtue which the shafts of calumny cannot pierce. 

By Captain Noah Ford — Hard labor, short allowance, and 
a hasty retreat to all those who wish to subvert our Con- 
stitution and hate the return of this Anniversary. 

By the Orator of the Day (after Captain Ford had retired) 
— Captain Noah Ford, — the firm patriot and accomplished 
soldier. Independent in sentiment, he does not hesitate, like 
many of his brother officers, to honor the birthday of his 
country. 

By the President (after Lieutenant Cushing had retired) — 
Lieutenant Brackley Cushing, — the persevering soldier, the 
upright citizen, and the undeviating patriot. 

By Aaron Hohart, jr., Esq. — Union among Republicans ; 
the death warrant of Federalism. 

-4n Oration pronounced July A, 1805, at Abington, on the Anni- 
versary of American Independence. By Benjamin Hobart. 

" Where Liberty dwells, there is my country." 

Sir, — Agreeable to a vote of a respectable meeting of citizens, as- 
sembled at Abington, July 4, for the celebration of American Inde- 
pendence, I have the honor, as President of tlie meeting, to present 
you their thanks for your spirited and patriotic oration, delivered on 
that occasion, and to request a copy thereof for the press. 

Nathan Gurnet, Jr. 

July 10, 1805. 
To Mr. Benjamin Hobart. 



ORATION. 185 



Sir, — ^Your favor of yesterday I have received, and shall furnish 
you with a copy of the oration, as requested ; in doing which I am 
regulated by the opinion of my fellow-citizens, not by my own. 
I am your very humble servant, 

Benjamin Hobart. 
July 11, 1805. 
To Mr. Nathan Gurnet, Jr. 



To celebrate important national events is both the duty 
and safety of a republican people. The ancient Jewish Pass- 
over was an institution of this nature. Other examples are 
no less divine. The Sabbath serves to keep in remembrance 
the great work of creation. The bow in the clouds denotes 
that the world w^ill never again be destroyed by a deluge. 
The pot of manna and Aaron's rod, deposited in the Temple, 
served to keep in constant view the dealings of God with His 
ancient people. Mordecai, on the deliverance of his nation 
from the bloody decrees of Haman, appointed the days of 
Purim as a lasting memento of their escape. 

These examples of Holy Writ sufficiently prove the consis- 
tency of commemorating the day which freed us from oppres- 
sion's yoke, and enrolled the American name among the 
^independent nations of the earth. This anniversary serves 
to keep alive a spirit of patriotism, whilst it leads us to prize 
the blessings which we enjoy, and to revere the divine source 
from which they flow. 

We have not assembled to fall prostrate before a despot, or 
to bow before a new-made emperor ; ours is not the servile 
task to pay homage to a host of lords and nobles ; nor to 
trumpet the praises of a president and senate for life ; but to 
celebrate an event which placed America in a high rank among 
the nations of the earth. 

None, then, will question the propriety of passing a few 
moments in surveying the prosperity of our country, arising 
from our independence, and the principles and motives Avhich 
gave rise to the revolution, and led to the adoption of our ex- 
cellent Constitution ; and in inquiring whether these principles, 
which all applaud, still actuate the nation, and are a rule of 
16* 



186 ORATION. 

conduct to our rulers. Some of the means of our safety may 
also claim our attention. 

In portraying the happiness of our country, recurrence, to 
heighten the picture, is often made to the perils pf our in- 
fancy and the horrors of our revolution. But these are events 
too well known to need a repetition. "Who has not heard that 
less than two hundred years ago, this country, where now vil- 
lages and cities are seen, and the hum of men is heard, was a 
dreary, howling wilderness, where savages roamed and wild 
beasts sought their prey ? What American is there who has 
not read the wonderful, the surprising history of our country, 
from the landing of our forefathers on the Plymouth Rock to 
the present period ? The revolution is within the recollection 
of many ; its traces are still to be seen. The gigantic power 
of Great Britain was in motion to make Americans " hewers 
of wood and drawers of water." But they rose indignant at 
the very thought of oppression ; one spirit electrified the na- 
tion — the spirit of Liberty. Hostilities commenced ; the bat- 
tles of Lexington and Bunker Hill, and the conflagration of 
Charlestown, opened the great drama which a Washington, not 
till seven years after, closed by the glorious battle of York- 
town. During this horrid period of British rapine and devas- 
tation, when our young men were sent headlong to the grave 
and our old men met death in their houses, — when the din of 
arms and the noise of battle were heard in our laud, and when 
our cities and villages wei'e delivered up to plunder and flames, 
a glorious sound was heard ; it reached from State to State ; 
it echoed from hill to hill : — " These United Colonies are, and 
of right ouglit to be, free and independent States." 

This glorious event, which forever separated America from 
British thraldom, from her heavy debts and oppressive wars, 
and laid the foundation of all our glory and happiness, took 
place twenty-nine years ago this day. Since that period 
America has arisen to a state of eminence and happiness be- 
yond a parallel. Our independence has not only extended the 
borders of our country far into the wilderness, but opened a 
door for the most surprising advances in every kind of 



ORATION. 187 

improvemeBt. Our resources have multiplied beyond calcula- 
tion, and are absolutely inexhaustible. Our commerce whitens 
every ocean ; it extends to all nations, and is a convincing proof 
of the flourishing state of our agriculture and manufactures. 
By commerce our tables are loaded with the productions of 
various nations, vastly remote. Much of our apparel is from 
afar. We possess great blessings, and have more promising 
prospects than any other nation in the world. Whilst the na- 
tions of Europe are involved in everlasting wars, and their ill- 
fated inhabitants are no better than slaves, upon whom are 
exercised the whims, caprice, and despotism of kings, nobles, 
and emperors ; whilst Asia and Africa sit in midnight dark- 
ness, and support not a being of the human kind who is not 
either a slave or a tyrant, America unites within herself the 
blessings of all nations and of all climes. Our old men are 
more happy than kings, and our young men are more honor- 
able than law-created nobles. What other nations have long 
sought for in vain, through revolutions, blood and slaughter, is 
here enjoyed to perfection. To what source may we trace 
these blessings? The answer is, under Providence, to that 
glorious event which proclaimed us a free and independent 
people. 

But what those principles were "which established our inde- 
pendence, thus beneficial to our nation, is an interesting in- 
quiry. These being once known, they will enable us to judge 
of the rectitude of our own political sentiments ; they will 
serve as a criterion by which we may know whether our 
rulers govern wisely or wickedly ; for the principles which 
gave rise to the Revolution, and the adoption of our excellent 
Constitution, are universally acknowledged to be right. All 
parties, all orders of men, the Tories excepted, were then united 
in sentiment. The same principles of liberty, the same prin- 
ciples of government actuated the nation. Under their influ- 
ence, " Our independence," as a Celebrated author observes, 
" was found of those who sought it not." These principles 
led to victory ; they led to the establishment of a happy gov- 
ernment and wise institutions, and have been the procui'ing 



188 ORATION. 

cause of all our happiness. Let the same principles still in- 
spire the breasts of our countrymen, and regulate the ministra- 
tions of our rulers, and America will long continue to be the 
residence of liberty, happiness, and the rights of man. 

One of the first principles of the Revolution was an acknowl- 
edgment of the authority and sovereignty of the people. The 
sentiment of Sidney, Locke, and Montesquieu, that the strength 
of a nation resided in the people, was universally adopted. 
" We hold these truths to be self-evident," says the Declara- 
tion of Independence, this day read, " that all men are born 
equal ; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain 
inalienable rights, among which are life, liberty, and the pur- 
suit of happiness." The will of the people, when properly 
expressed, was considered as a supreme law : none might take 
from it or add to it. They chose their own government, formed 
associations, maintained the rights of legislation, and were 
never afraid to trust themselves. The absurd doctrine of 
" passive obedience and non-resistance," was imiversally repu- 
diated. Rebellion against tyrants was believed to be the will 
of God. Government was thought necessary for the security 
of the rights and privileges of the people, and not for the ag- 
grandizement of the rulers. Hence they reprobated the 
absurd idea of privileged orders and exclusive rights. The 
trappings of royalty and the pageantry of courts were not con- 
sidered essential to liberty. They thought men, as they came 
from their Maker, sufficiently noble to govern themselves. 
Their idea of liberty, however, was not that of licentiousness ; 
it was not savage freedom. It consisted in this, that every man 
had a right to do as he chose, provided it was not inconsistent 
with the same right in his neighbor, and the good of the whole. 
To secure this natural liberty of man, when they were desti- 
tute of all government, one was introduced. For the support 
of these principles, in opposition to Britons and Tories, they 
fought, they bled, they conquered. 

But the nature of the government adopted at the Revolution 
will give us a more extensive idea of the principles then cher- 
ished. Government and laws are as necessary in society as 



ORATION. 180 

morals in religion ; liberty must be defined, and the passions 
restrained. Hence a nation is known by its government ; ac- 
cordingly as it is Avise or foolish, the people will be happy or 
miserable. Monarchy and aristocracy denote slavery ; a gov- 
ernment of the people, by their representatives, liberty. What, 
then, was the nature of our government ? What were the 
principles it embraced ? They were not the principles of a 
monarchy. The people had no faith in kings ; they did not 
wish to trust any one man Avith unlimited power. They had 
experienced that the " tender mercies" of a king " were cruel," 
and more bitter than death. Neither were they the principles 
of an aristocracy ; lords and nobles alone were not thought to 
be the most suitable guardians of liberty. The happy idea of 
a nobility " in a hole " had not then occurred ; and if it had 
it Avould have been to no purpose, for the very term, nohilify, 
excited horror. Nor were the principles which our Constitu- 
tion embraced those of a pure democracy. No man, perhaps, 
ever thought it prudent for the American people to imitate the 
Athenians, and to assemble all together for the purposes of legis- 
lation. What, then, were the true principles of our Revolu- 
tion with respect to government? The real answer is, they 
were the principles of a balanced government, consisting of 
three branches, each branch under the control of the people, 
and thus organized the better to prevent abuse of power, and 
insure calm deliberation and freedom from popular frenzy. 
Such a government, by civilians, is called " a representative de- 
mocracy." The state governments wei'e of a similar cast. 
By a representative democracy is not meant that wild, loose, 
incoherent government, so much decried by the opposers of 
our present administration. It does not embrace the principles 
of a Turgot, a Condorcet, nor does it coincide with the mod- 
ern ideas of " French liberty and equality." It is a gov- 
ernment in which the influence of the people prevails. A 
stronger executive or a senate for life would soon destroy their 
weight. Hence this part of our Constitution has always been 
highly offensive to many aspiring, ambitious men ; they hate 
the very name, democracy, though qualified, because it favors 



190 OEAIION. 

the people. But at the Revolution these principles were in- 
sisted upon, were interwoven into the Constitution, and consid- 
ered as the broad basis of our liberty and security. 

These principles of government were supported by "Wash- 
ington, Franklin, and President Jefferson, — the latter of 
whom penned the admirable Declaration of Independence, and 
has spent a most useful life in the service of his country. But 
others are found, and those, too, who of late have been highly 
conspicuous in office, who always wished for more indepen- 
dence in the executive, and less influence in the people. But 
such were not the principles of the Revolution. The major 
part of those who formed our Constitution, which was univer- 
sally adopted, chose rather to give the people a preponderance 
in the Constitution, than to arm a president and senate with 
weapons to annoy and oppress them. 

Many other principles were cherished in the time of our 
Revolution, and secured by our Constitution, equally preserva- 
tive of liberty and honorable to the people. Standing armies, 
in time of peace, were deemed highly dangerous. An ambi- 
tious ruler might make an engine of them to oppress and en- 
slave his country. The attempt of George the Third to main- 
tain a standing army in this country met with the indignant 
frown of the whole continent. Liberty of the press and free- 
dom of speech were held to be sacred. Should these privi- 
leges be violated, and men commanded to speak softly or not 
at all of their rulers, liberty would soon dwindle into a mere 
sound, and rulers would become secret oppressors. But the 
Constitution interferes and declares that liberty of speech and 
of the press shall not be violated. 

But, besides these principles, interwoven into the Constitu- 
tion, others collateral with them were held in high estimation. 
War was viewed as a calamity not to be sought after, but, if 
possible, to be avoided. Men in office were required to spend 
their energies for the good of the public, and not for their pri- 
vate emolument. Private interest was freely sacrificed for the 
public benefit. Useless offices were not multiplied, and exces- 
sive burdens were not laid upon the people. A continental 



ORATION. 191 

house and land tax was a thing unheard of during our needy 
and distressing revokition. Whatever tended to tyrauny and 
oppression was firmly opposed. 

Such Avere some of the glorious principles of our revolution. 
But here an important inquiry arises. Have these principles 
always heen operative, and are they now operative upon the 
people and rulers of our country ? The time has been when 
we could not answer in the affirmative. The nation has been 
seized with a frenzy. Who has not heard of " the Reign of 
Terror ?" The late federal administration and its supporters, 
"we believe, were not actuated by the principles of the Revolu- 
tion. The leading characters of that administration wished 
for a stronger executive, and less influence in the people. 
The then president was loaded and intrusted with dangerous 
powers. An arbitrary alien law was committed to him. By 
this law he Avas empowered, at his will, to banish from our 
country eveiy foreigner who might seek here an asylum fi-oni 
European oppressions. An enormous increase of executive 
patronage was also intrusted to him. A sedition law was 
made to render him sacred. Liberty of speech and of the 
press was abridged, contrary to the Constitution ; in conse- 
quence of which many Republicans were cast into prison. 
These arbitraiy, unconstitutional acts tended to render the 
president too powerful, and too independent of the people. 
They were perfectly discordant with the principles of the Rev- 
olution. Had such measures been proposed then by any man, 
however conspicuous, he would have been blasted by the pub- 
lic indignation. 

But these are not our only objections against that adminis- 
tration. A standing army was raised in time of peace to awe 
and terrify the people. A French invasion was the pretence. 
But this was such a weak pretence, and so perfectly chimer- 
ical, that many of the Federalists themselves ridiculed the idea. 
France at that time was so perfectly watched by British vigi- 
lance that she could scarcely supply herself with a mess of fish 
from the ocean. Plow, then, could she invade America ? 
Here is a federal mystery. For what was this expensive 



192 ORATION. 

army raised ? Eepublicans believe for the most nefarious de- 
signs ; a new Constitution, a president and senate for life, 
might be the object. Such a measure was very foreign from 
the spirit of the Revolution. 

Other measures, also, of that administration, though less 
dangerous, Avere equally remote from the spirit of those times. 
Among these we might enumerate a house and land tax, an 
eight per cent, loan, a bankrupt law, an enormous increase of 
public debt, and a host of useless judges, appointed at mid- 
nio^ht ! But I forbear to proceed ; these extraordinary and 
oppressive measures are sufficient to prove that the principles 
of the Revolution, which all acknowledge to be just, did not 
then prevail. 

This conclusion is confirmed by the disapprobation of the 
people. They rose indignant at the measures then pursued. 
A change of administration was made. But because the 
people were dissatisfied, and exercised their inherent rights 
and changed their rulers, tliey^ and the men of their choice, 
Avere basely calumniated and belied. " They were branded," 
as a lively writer observes, " as Atheists, Deists, Jacobins, 
Infidel philosophers, enemies of God and man, and in league 
with Satan ; Frenchmen and infernal spirits, to destroy all 
government, order, and religion, and turn ^he Avorld upside 
down." It Avas sneeringly said, at the commencement of the 
present administration, that the nation Avould soon be involved 
in ruin ; that religion would soon be banished from our coun- 
try ; that our temples of Avorship would be burnt ; and that 
Tom Paine would soon be proclaimed priest of Dagon ! All 
motives to industry Avere affirmed to be at an end. Our com- 
merce was declared to be in danger. In imagination our 
harbors were already seen to be blocked up by sand banks, 
and poverty and beggary to stalk over the nation ; and the 
ending climax of all this was, " The post of honor is a private 
station." 

But, my countrymen, these were false predictions, made by 
false prophets ; the direct contrary of which has proved to be 
true . Unbounded prosperity prevails . We hear of no inj ustice 



ORATION. 193 

or oppression. The United States were never in a more 
flourishing and happy situation. The sound of the hatchet and 
of the anvil is still heard in our land. Our ships still traverse 
the ocean, and are seen on the thousand shores of Europe, 
Asia, Africa, the East and West Indies. The foreign stranger 
who visits our country, while surveying its prosperity, stops 
short, looks round, and invariably exclaims, " O happy 
America, thou seat of liberty ! thou most blessed of all 
nations ! — may thy glory and splendor be immortal ! " 

But here let us return to the other parts of our inquiry ; 
are the principles of the Revolution noiu operative upon the 
people of our country? Upon the Republicans, who are 
seven-eighths of the inhabitants of America, we do not hesi- 
tate to express our full belief that they are. Late public 
measures and their general reception confirm this. As the 
acts of the former administration were such as would not 
have been approved at the time of our Revolution, they were 
blasted by a repeal. But what act of the present administra- 
tion is there, which, if it had been taken in the time of our 
Revolution, would not have been approved ? Would not the 
disbanding * of an unnecessary standing army have been 
highly commended in those days ? Would not the repeal of 
an alien law, a sedition law, a bankrupt law, a stamp law, a 
useless judiciary law have been highly applauded ? Would 
not the spirit of those times have approved of economy in 
government, a diminution of taxes, and, at the same time, a 
diminution of public debt, a lessening of executive patronage, 
a cultivation of " peace, commerce and honest friendship with 
all nations, entangling alliances with none," and a sacred 
regard for the rights of the people ? In a word, would not the 
principles and spirit which then actuated the bosoms of our 
countrymeu, have led them to approve all the measures which 
have been adopted under our present wise and patriotic 
administration ? 

* The act reducing the army, though it passed before the close of 
Mr. Adams' administration, was owing entirely to Kepublican influ- 
ence. 

17 



194 ORATION. 

By these observations, it is evident that the Republican 
party in our country have not departed from the principles 
and spirit of the Revolution, and are the only men who can 
cordially celebrate our independence. Federalists may pretend 
to regard this day, and be loud in their praises of our Consti- 
tution, but they must be pretensions only. There is not a 
single principle of the Revolution which is not in direct oppo- 
sition to their politics. They have associated with Tories, who 
were the open enemies of independence. They revile some of 
the first patriots of our Revolution, who hazarded their lives 
and property in our defence, and call them Jacohins. Even 
the ashes of the venerable Samuel Adams, Hancock and 
Franklin have been insulted. To such men the principles of 
our Revolution cannot be pleasing. This day, therefore, which 
brings them to view, is not, to them, a day of glad tidings. 
But with Republicans it is a proud day, and they will remem- 
ber it.* 

Recurring to premises now established, we may draw the 
following short, syllogistic conclusions, viz. : — The principles 
of the Revolution were right ; Republican principles coincide 
with them ; therefore Republican principles are right, and 
ought to prevail. It becomes us, then, to applaud our rulers 
who have always adhered to these principles, and keep in 
perpetual remembrance our hard-earned independence. 

But though our country is now flourishing and happy, and 
each one can sit unmolested " under his own vine and fig- 
tree," yet we ought not to forget that this pleasing scene may 
be reversed. Prosperity is dangerous to nations as well as to 
individuals. Riches and luxury produce effeminacy, and a dis- 
regard of law and order. The people forget the days of their 

* These remarks are not meant to be applied indiscriminately to 
every member of the Federal party, but particularly to the followers 
of Hamilton. Many of the Federalists, doubtless, are real friends of 
the country and the Republican cause; their association with our 
opponents may be owing to prejudice, or the want of accurate infor- 
mation. To such. Republicans hold out the hand of reconciliation, 
and invite to a cordial union. 



ORATION. 195 

adversity, ^nd riot in the lap of pleasure and dissipation. In 
this way lords will rule over them, and the miglity will devour 
them. Many great and noble republics, once as free as 
America, have long ago tumbled into the dust. Many 
nations, that once were blessed with liberty, are now linger- 
ing under the scourges of a tyrant. What has become of 
ancient Greece and Rome ? Where are their immortal orators 
and renowned statesmen ? Alas ! they are sleeping in the 
ruins of their countries, which have been extinct for ages. 
What ha.s become of the once famed liberties of the high and 
mighty States of Holland ? They are crushed by the despotic 
foot of an usurping Corsican. Where is the freedom of the 
Swiss ? Where are their William Tells ? The same vile 
Corsican has destroyed all. Where is the Polish yation ? 
Russian, Prussian and Austrian monarchs have long ago sung 
their funeral " Te Deum." We might go on to speak of the 
Avretched Irish, Scotch, Spaniards, Italians and Portuguese; 
but we have not assembled to weep over the ruins of nations. 

But shall this be the fate of our country ? Shall the inquisi- 
tive traveller, in after ages, passing to survey other nations, 
weep, as he goes along, over our demolished cities and 
departed honors? Must the question, "Is man capable of 
self-government," be forever answered in the negative ? Must 
we leave another wretched example of the degeneracy of man, 
and the uncertainty of republics ? Tliis degradation, under 
Providence, we hope will never fall upon America. Let us 
imitate the example of our forefathers, and support our Repub- 
lican establishments ; let us well consider the causes which 
have destroyed other nations, and, if possible, avoid their 
destiny. 

But it would not be improper, perhaps, to notice some of 
the means by which our liberties must be protected. Three 
important securities, among many others, claim our attention : 
a well-regulated militia, general education, and a Divine 
religion. We, at present, enjoy these means in an eminent 
degree. Our militia is made up of ourselves. Its plan com- 
prises almost every possible advantage. But a particular 



196 ORATION. 

analysis of our system of defence cannot now be ^attempted. 
Suffice it to say, it is worthy of the wisdom of our couutry, 
and is our glory and safety. It is a far more sure and better 
mode of defence than any other which has been invented, 
either in ancient or modern times. This great security of our 
rights deserves our utmost patronage and support. 

Another important security of our civil privileges is educa- 
tion ; and its universal spread in our country, is such as to 
inspire patriotism with contideuce, and to command the admi- 
ration of the world. No nation possesses universal knowledge 
like America. Our age is the jubilee of science and the feast 
of knowledge. Here kings and nobles have not where to lay 
their heads ; mental illumination detects their frauds and sets 
at naught their impious wishes. Happy would it be for 
America should this always be her situation. Should she 
relapse into ignorance and darkness, some intriguing despot, or 
a group of nobles, would soon climb to power and trample 
upon her liberties. It becomes Americans, then, ever to 
encourage education, and consider it the polar star of our 
nation. Individual exertions to this end deserve our higliest 
applause ; for he who educates a child, often does as much 
good to his country, as "he who takes a city." Education 
may be called the eye of a republic, to spy out fraud, ambition 
and wickedness, and to see that they are punished. 

But besides arms and education, the Jachin and Boaz of 
society, we have a most benevolent religion which all ought to 
acknowledge to be the firmest basis of our safety. Without 
it a government which depends on the virtue of the people, 
would be as unstable as the waves of the sea. Property and 
life would be iusecui-e, and man would become an exhausted 
swimmer amidst the contending billows of faction. But pure 
religion, unshackled by human laws, is Heaven's best gift to 
the world, and forms the only sure foundation of order and 
government. It influences mankind by aiFecting their hearts, 
and " operates as powerfully when no eye beholds it as when 
surrounded by thousands." " It places rulers and people 
always under the eye of Deity, and brings death and judgment 



ORATION. 197 

to view." ' It does not, however, excite its disciples to climb 
to the house-tops and exult over the passing multitude, and 
exclaim, " We have all the religion and all the virtue of our 
country ! " The religion of such men is declared to be vain. 
But that kind of religion which will support morals, law and 
order in a State, enjoins benevolence, charity, and brotherly 
love. 

Our obligations to Divine revelation are infinite. How much 
did the ancient Republicans experience the want of such a 
revelation ! The blunders and absurdities of their Stoics, 
Cynics, Epicureans, Platonics and Skeptics, could never supply 
its place. The gods to whom Demosthenes, Cicero, and all 
the sages and heroes of antiquity, paid their sacred devotions, 
were no better than hypocrites and deified monsters. Their 
Jupiter has been denominated a debauchee ; Juno, a scold ; 
Hercules, a swaggerer; Mars, a braggadocio; Neptune, a 
profane seafaring captain ; Bacchus, a drunkard ; and Moloch, 
a tyrant. These superstitious were most pernicious to society 
and government ; they were worse, if possible, than the super- 
stitions of the modern heathen, who now worship the grand 
Lama or the Arabian prophet. 

But for Christianity such might have been our situation. 
We might have been paying our devotions, like the ancients, 
to departed heroes, or statues of brass ; or, like modern 
heathens, to deified impostors or the works of nature. Where 
now stands our solemn temple, dedicated to the Ruler of the 
Skies, the temple of Jupiter, the temple of the Sun, or the 
temple of Mahomet, might have been reared, and Americans, 
like the wandering Tartars, come yearly to do homage at 
their shrines. Instead of just ideas of virtue, moral obligation 
and futurity, we might have been lost amidst a jargon of 
philosophy ; and gods, Pluto and elysium, the foundation 
of our religion. But Divine revelation has preserved us from 
this degradation ; it has reached our land, enlightened our 
minds, and directed our thoughts to soar above the stars. 
Under its influence America has humbled her enemies, estab- 
lished liberty and law, and immortalized her name. 
17* 



198 ORATION. 

Since, then, we owe so much to the Christian religion : 
since it has distinguished us from all other nations, and 
promises to be our only safety, let none despise its sacred 
precepts. Nor ought our country ever to be compared with 
the ancient republics. The lapse of two thousand years, the 
progress of science, the art of printing, increase of military, 
judicial and political knowledge, and, above all, a pure revela- 
tion from Jehovah, has rendered our situation far different 
from theirs. This difference inspires us with the most con- 
soling hopes, that here liberty, happiness, and Republicanism, 
will flourish in eternal youth. 

But, on the whole, by whom, under Providence, shall our 
independence, liberties and rights be maintained ? The answer 
is, the people. Though often stigmatized as their own worst 
enemies, and unfit to govern themselves, yet they, in every 
country, have been the real defenders of liberty in opposition 
to monarchists and aristocrats. If a majority of the people 
will ruin us we must be ruined. In a Republican government 
" the majority are omnipotent." The minority have rights, 
but are destitute of power. Our country, therefore, whenever 
the major part will sell themselves to destruction, will come to 
ruin, however firm, however unwilling the minority may be. 
But is this the situation of our country ? Is the present great 
Republican majority of our nation, as often represented, on the 
side of anarchy^ confusion and dissolution ^ God forbid we 
should indulge such a degrading thought. Though party spirit 
foments, though difference of opinion prevails, though ambition 
plots, yet we can boast that a surprising majority of the people 
of these United States are still firm, unadulterated Republican 
Americans. On them depends our safety ; if they are watch- 
ful and united, we are secure. 




FIRST liAI'TIST CIUKCM. SOI III ABIXGTOX. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

Organization of the "First Baptist Churcli" in Abington, and its 

Present State. 

The following statement, giving an account of the forma- 
tion and progress of the " First Baptist Chm-ch " located at 
South Abington, is furnished by their present pastor, the Rev. 
N. Judson Clark. 

The First Baptist Church in Abington was constituted 
October 30, 1822. The following individuals were the 
constituency : Brethren Josiah C. Ransford, Jonathan R. 
Gurney, Robert Cook, Nathan Alden, Thaxter Reed, William 
Packard. Sisters Sarah Ransford, Anna Dunbar, Molly 
Gurney, Mary Hobart, and Deborah Gurney. 

This church was recognized, as noted in the minutes, " as a 
church of our Lord Jesus Christ, by the name of the First 
Baptist Church of Christ in Abington." 

The Council of Recognition consisted of delegates from the 
following churches : Second and Third Baptist Churches of 
Boston ; Baptist Churches of Planover, Marshfield, Pembroke, 
and Hanson. 

The religious services of the occasion were performed as 
fallows : Introductory Prayer, by Rev. John Butler ; Sermon, 
by Rev. Daniel Sharp, D.D. ; Prayer, by Rev. Thomas 
Baldwin, D.D. ; Hand of Fellowship, by Rev. Joseph Torry; 
Concluding Prayer, by Rev. Joel Briggs. The Hand of Fellow- 
ehip was given to the church through Deacon J. C. Ransford, 
he having been appointed for that purpose. 

At the time of the recognition of the church, this little band 
of brethren had provided themselves with a house of worship, 

(199) 



200 FIKST BAPTIST CHURCH. 

which was dedicated to the service of Abnighty God at the 
same time in coojunctiou with the services of recognition. 
For some time previous to the constitution of the church, these 
brethren and sisters had hekl religious services in different 
localities in town in private houses, and God had crowned 
their efforts with signal success. Deacon Josiah C. Ransford, 
at that time a member of the Second Baptist Church of Boston, 
seems to have been especially useful in promoting vital religion 
in the town, and in the formation of the church. 

The name of Rev. Thomas Conant is associated with the 
earliest dawn of Baptist sentiments in Abington. His labors 
were performed with iidelity and joy in Christ, though amid 
much persecution and reproach. Up to this time Baptists 
were comparatively unknown in this town, though they are as 
ancient as the time of Christ. Not one baptism had yet been 
performed in the town (as we understand the word of God). 
Brother Conant had the high privilege of first administering 
the ordinance in the town of Abington. The subject of the 
first baptism was Deacon Robert Cook. Deacon J. R. 
Gurney was baptized at the same time. These brethren are 
still members of the church. 

The first pastor of the church was Willard Kimball. He 
was elected to the pastorate May 9, 1824, — was ordained June 
30, 1824. The ordination sermon Avas preached by Dr. Sharp, 
of Boston. The charge was given by Dr. Baldwin, of Boston. 
At this time the church had increased from eleven to twenty- 
seven. Though the church was destitute of a settled pastor 
for more than a year and a half of its earliest infancy, it was 
not uncared for, or unblessed by the Great Shepherd. It 
enjoyed the ministrations of the Word the most of this time 
by brother Conant, and others. Brother Kimball closed his 
labors about the first of May, 1826. Daring the two years 
of his ministry nine were added to the church. 

Rev. David Curtis was installed pastor July 26, 1826, — 
closed his pastorate about October 4, 1828. Nine were added 
to the church during his ministry. 

Rev. Silas Hall was pastor from about August 21, 1830, to 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 201 

October 29, 1834 ; he gave the hand of fellowship to thirty- 
four. Rev. W. H. Dalrymple was pastor from April 1, 1835, 
to March 19, 1837 ; twenty added to the church. Rev. E. C. 
Messenger pastor from about May 1, 1837, to May 1, 1845 ; 
fifty added to the church. 

Rev. W. F. Stubbert commenced his ministry about the 
middle of April, 1846 ; was installed pastor of the church 
January 13, 1847. Dr. Choules, of Roxbury, preached the 
sermon. Closed his labors March, 1852. Bi-other Stubbert 
received into the fellowship of the church one hundred and 
seventy-eight. 

Rev. Nathaniel Colver, D.D., was pastor from April, 1852, 
to April, 1853 ; nineteen added to the church. Rev. Horace 
T. Love pastor from November 1, 1853, to April 30, 1854; 
fifteen received into the church. Rev. F. A. Willard pastor 
from November 4, 1854, to February 12, 1856 ; nine added 
to the church. 

Rev. A. B. Earle spent a short season with the church in 
the early part of 1857. His labors were eminently blessed. 
He baptized twenty-four. 

Rev. J. C. Wightman accepted a call March 23, 1857 ; 
ordained April 14, 1857. Dr. Parker, of Newton, preached 
on tlie occasion. Resigned May 16, 1858. Nineteen were 
added to the church. 

Rev. C. H. Colver supplied the desk nine months, com- 
mencing July 1, 1859. 

The church has had her vicissitudes ; but through them all 
the pillar of Jehovah's presence has led her, and His right 
arm has sustained her. She has had her winters, but God 
has dissipated them by the genial sunshine and refreshing 
showers of spring, which, in time, have given place to the 
abundant growth of summer, and the rich ingatherings of 
autumn. She has enjoyed many special visitations of God's 
sovereign, redeeming grace. Many will have it to say, in 
that day, — I " was born there." 

The whole number connected with the church since its 
organization is four hundred and sixty-five ; of these, three 



202 FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 

hundred and fifty-four have been added by baptism. The 
present number is two hundred and fifty-four.* 

The church has been blessed with a noble band of pastors, 
all of whom still live, and are to-day toiling in their Master's 
vineyard. Their labors and their successes are their fittest 
encomiums. 

The following brethren have been deacons of the church, 
viz. : Josiah C. Rainsford, Jonathan R. Gurney, Robert Cook, 
Samuel Norton, Noah Fullerton. 

The church has ever held, as claiming her first and best 
endeavors, the glory of God in the salvation of lost men in 
her m.idst. She has, however, entered, with a warm heart 
and an earnest hand, every field of Christian enterprise ; 
thereby seeking the best interests of man for time and for 
eternity, as a religious, intellectual, social and physical being. 
The oracles of God, as found in the Old and New Testament, 
is her creed and the law of her life. From this she allows no 
subtraction ; to it, she allows no addition. The Bible, the 
■whole Bible, and nothing but the Bible, is her bulwark and 
her watchword. For the sake of convenience, however, she 
has her articles of faith and her covenant. These differ in no 
essential point from those usually adopted by Baptist 
churches. 

The first meeting-house was built in 1822, — dedicated 
October 30, 1822. Sermon by Dr. Sharp, of Boston. It 
was twenty-seven by twenty-four feet on the ground, and ten 
feet in height. The second house was built in 1832, — dedi- 
cated January 13, 1833. Dr. Sharp preached the dedicatory 
discourse. It was forty-one by forty-five feet, and cost two 
thousand seven hundred dollars. The present house was 

* Since the above was written, the Clerk of the Society has handed 
me the following for insertion : — 

Rev. George R. Darrow, the present pastor, commenced his labors 
with the church on the first of April, 186i, and as the result of his 
labors thus far, sixty-eight new members liave been added to the 
church, making the present number two hundred and ninety -three. 

J. L. CoETUELL, Cliurch Clerk. 



FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 203 

dedicated January 13, 1847. Dr. Sharp preached the sermon. 
Cost, six thousand dollars. This house was raised in 1857. 
Under the audience-room the church has supplied itself with 
a very commodious and pleasant lecture-room, and ante-rooms 
for other church purposes. The cost of raising and refurnish- 
ing was five thousand dollars. 

The present pastor entered upon his labors December 11, 
1860. 

N. JcDSON Clark. 

South Abington, January 28, 1862. 

At the organization of this church, there was some oppo- 
sition, as stated above, and there were many regrets. The 
Union Calvinistic Society (Congregationalist) had been incor- 
porated but a few years, and in becoming so had to encounter 
much opposition. It was a poll parish, and limited in its 
numbers ; and it was thought that one religious society was 
sufficient for the population of the place ; and when Rev. 
Thomas Conant, named above, administered the first baptism 
by immersion that ever took place in this town, it was not 
very strange, under these circumstances, that there should be 
some excitement and some unpleasant feelings, especially as it 
ought to be considered that the other society felt fully confirmed 
in their belief that their mode of baptism was right. 

But now, after forty years, we can see that the population 
here has so increased that the two societies are, and can be, 
well supported ; and this, notwithstanding the law which was 
passed soon after the establishment of this church, giving free 
toleration in religious matters. 

This church, from a small beginning, has taken a standing 
that could hardly have been expected. From the first baptism, 
a little over forty years since, amidst opposition and many 
discouragements, especially in the first half of that period, it 
has increased in numbers very rapidly ; — indeed no such 
increase has ever attended any other religious society in town 
in so short a period. 

The expenditures of this church, with the aid of a few 



204 FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 

others who attend their meetings, have been quite large. The 
cost of the thi'ee buildings exceeds fifteen thousand dollars. 
The last (the present meeting-house) is in good style, and is an 
ornament to the place. The payments to their several minis- 
ters, and other expenses, must have amounted to over twenty 
thousand dollars, making, in the whole, nearly forty thousand 
dollars. 

The church, with the society, has been favored with an able 
and worthy succession of ministers, all of whom, as stated by 
their present pastor, are now living, and engaged in the 
ministry. 

The leading instrument in the formation of this church and 
society was the late Deacon Josiah C. Rainsford, from Boston. 
He was very gentlemanly in his manners, — sincere and com- 
panionable : he had an interesting family, who were very 
sociable and pleasant. He has left no posterity here ; but his 
name, with that of his amiable consort, stands recorded on 
the church books as two of the first eleven who composed 
the church at its organization. 

At this day there is no collision betwixt the two societies 
(the Union Calvinistic and Baptist), and there has not been 
for a long time ; each one pxn-sues its even tenor in harmony, 
— friendly relations exist between them, — interchanges of their 
respective pastors take place, and both congregations, at times, 
meet together in each other's places of worsln'p for religious 
services. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

A Statement of the Rise, Progress, and Present State of the " Bap- 
tist Church of Christ in East Abington," including a Declaration 
of their Belief and Covenant. By their Pastor, Rev. Jeremiah 
Chaplin. 

I CAN" remember when there was but one communicant 
of the Baptist denomination in town ; at least, that I knew of, 
and that was Anna Dunbar, a maiden lady ; and this was 
over sixty years ago. And there were but a very few of that 
order until 1822, and no meeting for public worship, when a 
church was organized of eleven members, and a small house 
erected in South Abington for their accommodation. The 
number of communicants, since then, of the two Baptist Soci- 
eties in town, has increased to several hundreds. The growth 
of the church under consideration, since its institution, has 
been very rapid ; the society consisted at first of twenty-two 
members, all from other Baptist Societies, by letters of recom- 
mendation. Since then, or rather since January 7, 1855, when 
the second baptism took place, over one hundred members 
have been added, averaging about twenty yearly. The house 
of worship which the society has erected is a very commodious 
edifice, and well finished, and makes a fine appearance ; well 
located, being nearly in the centre of the flourishing village 
of East Abington. The population of that part of the town 
required another religious society. It was commenced on a 
liberal scale ; the first minister. Rev. Mr. Love, had a salary 
of one thousand dollars per year, which was considerably above 
the average salaries of the other ministers in town. 

The statement of Rev. Dr. Chaplin is as follows : — 
18 (205) 



206 BAPTIST CHURCH IN EAST ABINGTON. 



BAPTIST CHURCH IN EAST ABINGTON. 

A numbei- of the friends of Christ in the neighborhood and 
elsewhere, bad been for some time deeply impressed with the 
fact that only an inconsidei'able portion of the people in the 
village of East Abington were in the habit of regularly 
attending Divine worship on the Sabbath. Indeed, it had 
been thought that the church accommodations of the village 
Avere not sufficient for more than about one-sixth part of the 
entire population of the vicinity. 

About the beginning, therefore, of the year 1854, a move- 
ment was made by Brother George W. Chipman, of Boston, 
which, earnestly seconded by some of the enterprising citizens 
of the community of East Abington, resulted in securing for a 
time a hall for Divine worship ; and on the fourth Sabbath 
in March, public services Avere commenced. Rev. Horace 
T. Love, then pastor of the church in the south part of the 
town, was, by invitation, present, and preached. After that 
time, services Avere held regularly every Sabbath day, with a 
prayer and conference-meeting Sabbath evening, and also on 
Wednesday evening, such supplies for the pulpit being engaged 
as the brethren were able to secure. 

On the first day of May, 1854, a number of the friends of 
Christ, all members of Baptist churches, met at Manson Hall, 
and for the purpose of promoting their own personal holiness 
and maintaining the doctrines and ordinances of the Gospel, 
and extending the Redeemer's kingdom on the earth, organized 
themselves into a society, under the name and title of " The 
Baptist Church of Christ in East Abington." 

The constituent members were twenty-two in number, 
viz. : — 

Eliab Coy, dismissed from Royalston Centre Church, Me. ; 
Horace T. Love, dismissed from South Abington Church, 
Mass. ; Catharine G. Love, dismissed from Baptist Church 
in South Abington, Mass. ; Catharine W. Love, dismissed from 
Baptist Church in South Abington, Mass ; John Cha'mberlin, 
dismissed from Baptist Church in South Abington, Mass. ; Mary 



BAPTIST CHURCH IN EAST ABINGTON. 207 

P. Chamberlin, dismissed from. Baptist Church in South Abing- 
ton, Mass. ; Clarissa Wales, dismissed from Baptist Church in 
South Abington, Mass. ; Mary Chamberlin, dismissed from 
Baptist Church in South Abington, Mass. ; Albert Chamber- 
lin, dismissed from Baptist Church in South Abington, Mass.; 
Matilda M. Chamberlin, dismissed from Baptist Church, South 
Abington, Mass. ; John Wilks, dismissed from Baptist Church 
in South Abington, Mass. ; Rebecca "Wilks, dismissed from 
Baptist Church in South Abington, Mass. ; Hannah Maria 
Dunn, dismissed from Baptist Church in South Abington, 
Mass. ; Rachel Foster, dismissed from Baptist Church in 
South Abington, Mass. ; Lydia Bass, dismissed from Baptist 
Church in South Abington, Mass. ; Harriet A. F. Tower, dis- 
missed from Baptist Church in South Abington, Mass. ; 
Martha Foster, dismissed from Charlestown High Street 
Church ; Martha A. Foster, dismissed from Baptist Church 
in Charlestown, Mass. ; Angeline Gray, dismissed from Bap- 
tist Church in Maiden, Mass.; Elizabeth Hatch, dismissed 
from Baptist Church in Hanover, Mass. ; Rebecca Stetson, dis- 
missed Irom Baptist Church in Hanover, Mass. ; N. B. Tanner, 
dismissed from Baptist Church in Bristol, R. I. 

A Declaration of Belief and a Covenant were adopted, and 
the Rev. Mr. Love, one of the above number, was invited to 
become pastor of the church, with a salary of one thousand 
dollars a year. 

This church was publicly recognized by a council which 
convened in East Abington, May 4, 1854 ; and the Rev. 
Mr. Love was at the same time recognized as the pastor. 
The sermon on the occasion was preached by the Rev. Rollin 
H. Neale, D.D., of Boston. 

Baptism was, for the first time, administered in October, 
1854. 

At a church meeting held March 13, 1855, it was voted to 
take immediate measures for the erection of a meeting-house, 
and a subscription was opened for the purpose of securing the 
necessary means. Liberal sums were subscribed by members 
of the society, and by friends abroad. Among the latter 



208 BAPTIST CHURCH IN EAST ABINGTON. 

•may be mentioned Edward Chamberlin, Esq., and George "W. 
Chipman, Esq., of Boston. The house was completed in the 
year 1856, and was publicly dedicated to the worship of God, 
September 4, of that year. Sermon by Rev. AVilliam Howe, 
of Boston. 

The church has enjoyed many proofs of the Divine appro- 
bation upon its labors, and feels much encouraged to perse- 
vere in the work to which her Master has evidently called 
her. The Spirit of God has, we believe, brought not a few, 
in attendance upon the ministry in this place of worship, to 
believe in Jesus and become his followers. 

During the spring of 18G0, there occurred an interesting 
work of grace, as a part of the fruit of which, twenty-eight 
were baptized into the fellowship of the church, on the pro- 
fession of their faith. The present number of members is one 
hundred and twenty-five. 

The following is a list of the successive pastors of the 
church : — 

Rev. Horace T. Love, Rev. Wm. P. Everett, Rev. William 
S. McKeuzie, and Rev. Dr. Chaplin, the last of whom is the 
present pastor. 

The church edifice is sixty feet by forty, with fifty-five 
pews, and a singing gallery. The church is provided with 
a bell and an organ. 

DECLARATION OF OUR BELIEF. 

1. "We believe that the Bible, comprising the thirty-nine 
books of the Old Testament, and the twenty-seven books of 
the New Testament, is exclusively the Word of God to man ; 
and that it is an all-sufficient rule of faith and practice for 
every Christian, to the exclusion of every other rule. But 
since there are others Avho profess to believe the Bible to be 
an all-sufficient rule, whose faith and practice are nevertheless 
manifestly different from our own, we therefore declare more 
particularly : — 

2. According to the Bible, we believe in God the Father, 
God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost — One God — living 



BAPTIST CHURCH IN EAST ABINGTON. 209 

and personal in His being, and infinite in all His attributes, 
who, as an Infinite Sovereign, worketli all things after the 
counsel of His own will ; but concerning whose acts of fore- 
knowledge, predestination, foreordination, and election, in rela- 
tion to our free agency, we. His finite creatures, know nothing. 
God is great ; " His judgments are unsearchable, and His 
Avays past finding out." 

3. According to tlie Bible, Ave believe that man, created 
holy, is fallen, and is by nature and practice a sinner totally 
depraved, and exposed to the wrath to come ; " the wrath of 
God being revealed from Heaven against all ungodliness and 
unrighteousness of men who hold the truth in unrighteous- 
ness." 

4. According to the- Bible, we believe that it is appointed 
unto man once to die, and after death the judgment ; that 
there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and 
the unjust ; that the life that now is is man's probation state ; 
that the life to come will be his retribution state, and that his 
retribution will, according to his character in his probation, 
be either a heaven of endless happiness, or a hell of endless 
misery. 

5. According to the Bible, we believe that " God so loved 
the world that He gave His only Begotten Son, that whosoever 
believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life ;" 
that Jesus Christ, " Avounded for our transgressions and bruised 
for our iniquities," and now for us an advocate with the Father, 
has become the " propitiation for our sins ; and not for ours 
only, but for the sins of the Avhole Avorld ;" so that '•'•whosoever 
calleth on the name of the Lord shall bo saved." 

6. According to the Bible, we believe that " except a man 
be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God ; " that this 
regeneration is the Avork of God the Holy Ghost, manifesting 
itself in us, hoAvever, by repentance toward God, and faith 
tOAvard our Lord Jesus Christ ; that God now commands all 
men everywhere to repent, and requii'es them to pray for 
mercy, and to believe His Word, and to receive His grace, and 
to obey the laws of His Gospel, promising to aid them iu doing 

IS* 



210 BAPTIST CHURCH IN EAST ABINGTON. 

SO by the gift of the Holy Ghost ; and that whosoever therefore 
resisteth the Holy Ghost does it at his peril. 

7. According to the Bible, we believe that true disciples of 
Jesus Christ will, by the promise of God, persevere unto the 
end and be saved ; and practically, therefore, that we are 
made partakers of Clu'ist, if we hold the beginning of our 
confidence fast unto the end ; that the doctrine of the persever- 
ance of saints, in its theoretical and practical view, is beauti- 
fully blended in the words of our Saviour, at Jolin x. 27, 28 : 
" My sheep hear My voice ; and I know them, and they follow 
Me ; and I give to them eternal life, and they shall never 
perish : neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand." 

8. According to the Bible, we believe that God has instituted 
the Christian Church on earth, and that a proper church of 
Christ is an independent society of visible believers, united 
together for the purpose of promoting their own personal holi- 
ness, maintaining the ordinances of the Gospel, and extending 
the Redeemer's Kingdom ; and that it is tlieir inalienable right 
to worship God according to the dictates of their own con- 
science, without being amenable to any man or body of men 
therefor. 

9. According to the Bible, we believe that the ordinances 
of the Christian Church are exclusively two : — Baptism, and 
the Communion of the Lord's Supper : that the only true 
subjects of Baptism are believers ; and that a man is baptized 
into the name of the Father, and of the Son, only by being 
overwhelmed in water upon a profession of his faith ; and that 
baptism is a proper pre-requisite to a right participation of the 
Lord's Supper ; and therefore that every Cliristian should be 
baptized without unnecessary delay, and thereafter should be 
regular in his attendance at the seasons appointed by the 
Church for the Communion. 

10. According to the Bible, we believe that the first day of 
the week, called " the Lord's Day," is God's holy Sabbath 
of rest ; that it is by Him set apart pre-eminently for His 
worship, both in private and in the public services of the 
sanctuary, and for the instruction of the young at home and in 



BAPTIST CnURCH IN EAST ABINGTON. 211 

the Sabbath school, and therefore it is our indispensable duty 
to abstain from all recreation and unnecessary labor on that 
day ; and that we assemble ourselves together in the sanctuary 
to worship God by calling on His holy name in prayer, singing 
His praise, reading His Word, and speaking and hearing His 
truth. 

11. According to the Bible, we believe that it is the duty 
of Christians to worship God daily in their households, by 
reading His holy Word, and by calling upon Him in prayer. 

12. According to the Bible, we believe that God has insti- 
tuted upon earth the Christian ministry, without, however, any 
distinction among ministers of the Gospel in rank or grade 
of office ; that there is properly no prelacy in the Christian 
ministry ; and that it is pre-eminently the duty of the Christian 
miaister, in his pastoral relation, to preach the Gospel in the 
sanctuary on the Sabbath, and from house to house on other 
days of the week ; and in all things to preside over and care 
for the flock ; and that in this great work he should be 
sustained by the prayers and cooperation of the people of his 
charge. 

13. According to the Bible, we believe that it is the duty 
of Christians to give the Gospel to the whole world, and there- 
fore that it is the duty of every one of us, upon the first day 
of the week, to lay by him in store of his substance, as God 
hath prospered him, for the purpose of sustaining the preaching 
of the Gospel, both among ourselves at home, and among the 
destitute of our fellow-men abroad. 

COVENANT. 

As we trust we have been brought by Divine grace to 
embrace the Lord Jesus Christ, and by the influence of the 
Holy Ghost to give ourselves up to Him, so we do now, in the 
presence of Almighty God, and with His help, renewedly take 
Jesus Christ for our Master, and God's Word for our guide, 
renouncing the world as long as we live. And we do new 
most solemnly covenant with each other that we will walk 
together in brotherly love ; and we will honestly endeavor to 



212 CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH IN NORTH ABINGTON. 

keep the unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace ; that we 
will exercise a Christian care and watchfulness over each 
other, and faithfully warn, rebuke, and admonish one another, 
as the case shall require ; that we will not forsake the assem- 
bling of ourselves together, nor omit the great duty of prayer, 
both for ourselves and for others ; that we will participate in 
each other's joys, and endeavor Avith tenderness and sympathy 
to bear each other's burdens and sorrows ; that we will en- 
deavor to bring up such as may be under our care in the 
nurture and admonition of the Lord ; that we will seek Divine 
aid to enable us to walk circumspectly acd watchfully in the 
world, denying ungodliness and every worldly lust ; that we 
will strive together for the support of a faithful Evangelical 
ministry among us ; that we will sustain our pastor by our 
prayers and co-operation, in the great work of the Gospel ; 
that we will endeavor, by example and eiFort, to win souls to 
Christ, and through life, amidst evil report and good report, 
that we will seek to live to the glory of Him who hath called 
us out of darkness into His marvellous light. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

Congregational Society and Church in North Abington. 

I HAVE received the following communication from Deacon 
James Ford, respecting the formation of the society and church 
in North Abington ; the names of the original members are 
given, and twenty-eight others after, and the number of mem- 
bers which have since joined, with an account of the religious 
organization of the church, and the ordination of the two first 
ministers ; and the church articles of belief, covenant and 
discipline ; the Sabbath school. 

The statement is very lucid and particular, and no doubt 
will be very interesting to many. 



CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH IN NORTH ABINGTON. 213 

In concluding my introductory remarks respecting the 
church and society in North Abington, I would add, the 
location of that society and meeting-house is very central for 
that part of the town, and is in a very pleasant and growing 
village, near the Grammar and High School, with other 
schools ; and but a short distance from the Old Colony Rail- 
road Depot, the immediate neighborhood of which will, 
doubtless, become a place of population and business, it having 
already made much progress in this direction. No one society 
in town has an area of territory and population around it so 
extensive and remote from any other religious society as this, 
and none more needs a place of public worship and the ordi- 
nances of the Christian religion. 

The following is a statement respecting the church and 
society at North Abington, as named above : — 

Pursuant to a warrant given by Micah Pool, Esq., of East 
Abington, and notice by Josiah Shaw, the North Congre- 
gational Society in Abington was organized at the house of 
Thomas Beals, April 8, 1839. The church edifice was built, 
at a cost of about four thousand dollars, during the summer, 
on land given by Thomas Beals, and has sixty-two pews ; and, 
with the gallery for the choir, will seat three hundred and 
ninety persons. It is located on Randolph Street, a short 
distance west of Bedford Street ; was dedicated to the worship 
of God October 3, Rev. Dennis Powers preaching the 
sermon. 

The North Congregational Church was organized October 
3, 1839, by an ecclesiastical council composed of delegates 
from the following churches : — 

Second Church in Abington, — Rev. Daniel Thomas, pastor ; 
Brother Christopher Bates, delegate. 

Second Church in Randolph, — Rev. D. Powers, pastor ; 
Brother Daniel Faxon, delegate. 

Third Church in Abington, — Rev. Lucius Alden, pastor; 
Deacon Ebenezer Reed, delegate. 

Rev. Daniel Thomas was Moderator, and Rev. Lucius 



214 CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH IN NORTH ABINGTON. 

Alden Scribe of the Council. The church, at its organiza- 
tion, consisted of forty-nine members, forty-six of whom were 
from the First Church in Abington. 

James Ford, jr., was chosen Deacon, October 22, 1839, 
and Samuel Wales was chosen Deacon, August 26, 1840. 

About the time the church was organized, a Sabbath school 
was established, and James Ford, jr., was chosen Superinten- 
dent, who still continues to superintend the school. The school 
has numbered from one hundred and sixty, being the lowest 
number on record, to two hundred and sixteen, which is the 
largest number. In 1859 the number of members was two 
hundred and nine. 

Rev. Willard Pierce was installed pastor of the church 
April 8, 1840, by an ecclesiastical council, of Avhich Rev. 
Calvin Park, D.D., was Moderator, and Rev. Lucius Alden, 
Scribe. The installation services were as follows : — 

Introductory Prayer by Rev. James W. Ward ; Sermon by 
Rev. Calvin Park, D.D. ; Installing Prayer by Rev. Lucius 
Alden ; Charge to the Pastor by Rev. Daniel Thomas ; Right 
Hand of Fellowship by Rev. Wales Lewis ; Charge to the 
people by Rev. Calvin Hitchcock ; concluding Prayer by Rev. 
Dennis Powers. 

Rev. Mr. Pierce continued pastor of the church until May 
1, 1850, when he was dismissed by an ecclesiastical council, 
of which Rev. R. S. Storrs, D.D., was Moderator, and Rev. 
James W. Ward, Scribe. 

During the ministry of Rev Mr. Pierce seventy-two were 
added to the church, — fifty-three by profession, and nineteen 
from other churches. 

October 23, 1850, Mr. Isaac C. White was ordained and 
installed pastor of the church by an ecclesiastical council, of 
which Rev. D. Huntington was Moderator, and Rev. H. D. 
Walker, Scribe. 

The services Avere as follows : — 

Invocation and reading Scripture by Rev. W. M. Harding ; 
Introductory Prayer by Rev. Mr. Norton ; Sermon by Rev. 
A. C. Thompson, of Roxbury ; Ordaining Prayer by Rev. D. 



CONGEEGATIONAL CntJRCH IN NORTH ABINGTON. 215 

Huntington ; Charge to the Pastor by Rev. J. P. Terry ; 
Eight Hand of Fellowship by Rev. II. D. Walker ; Address 
to the people by Rev. James W. Ward ; Concluding Prayer 
by Rev. Luther Sheldon. 

Rev. Mr. White continued pastor of the church until March 
1, 1860, Avhen he was dismissed by an ecclesiasiastical coun- 
cil, of which Rev. R. S. Storrs, D.D., was Moderator, and 
Rev. E. Russell, D.D., was Scribe. 

During the ministry of Rev. Mr. White, fifty-six were added 
to the church, — forty-four by profession, and twelve by letter. 

The whole number who have been connected with the 
church is one hundred and seventy-seven. Fifty-three have 
been removed by death or otherwise, and the church numbers 
at the present time one hundred and twenty-four members, 
and is now ministered to by Rev. William Leonard. 

The church of this society has adopted the following Articles 
of their Belief, Covenant, and Discipline, as their rule and 
guide : — 

ARTICLES OF BELIEF. 

1. There is a God, and one only, Avho is a Spirit, self- 
existent, eternal, and unchangeable ; infinite in wisdom, power 
and goodness. — Deut. vi. 4 ; 1 Cor. viii. 4, 5, 6 ; Gen. 1st 
chapter; Ileb. iii. 4 ; Neh. ix. 6 ; 1 John iv. 8. 

2. The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were 
written by the inspiration of God; and are the only, the 
infallible and sufficient rule, both of religious faith and 
practice.— 2 Tim. iii. 16 ; 2 Peter i. 21 ; Gal. i. 3, 9 ; Rev. 
xxii. 18, 19 ; Psalm xix. 7-10. 

3. There are three persons in the Godhead, the Father, the 
Son, and the Holy Spirit : " the same in substance, and equal 
in power and glory." — 1 John v. 9 ; Matt, xxviii. 19 ; 2 Cor. 
xiii. 13, 14 ; John i. 34 ; Ileb. i. 3-8. 

4. " The decrees of God are his eternal purpose, accord- 
ing to the counsel of his ow'n will, whereby, for his own glory 
he hath foreordained whatsoever comes to pass." — Eph. i. 11 ; 



216 CONGREGATIONAL CnURCn IN NORTH ABINGTON. 

Rev. xvii. 17; Eccl. iii. 14; Isa. xlv. 7; xlvi. 9, 10; Prov. 
xix. 21. 

5. " God executeth his decrees in the work of creation, 
which is his making all things of nothing ; and in the works 
of Providence, which are his most holy, Avise and powerful, 
pi'esei'ving and governing all his creatures and all their 
actions." — Amos iii. 6 ; Daniel iv. 35 ; Pom. ix. 11. 

6. God made the first man upright, or perfectly holy, but 
he fell from his original state, by voluntarily eating of the 
forbidden fruit ; in consequence of which fall, all his posterity, 
according to the Divine constitution, come into the world with 
a carnal mind, or heart, which is enmity against God, and are, 
by nature, dead in trespasses and sins, and children of wrath. 
—Gen. i. 26, 27 ; Eccl. vii. 29 ; Rom. v. 12-19 ; 1 Cor. xv. 
21,22; Eph. ii. 1. 

7. Jesus Christ, who is truly God, and truly man, in two 
natures and one person, did, by His sufferings and death, make 
a proper and sufficient atonement for the sins of all mankind. 
—Matt. xxvi. 28 ; Rom. viii. 32 ; 2 Cor. v. 14, 15 ; Mark 
xvi. 15 ; Eph. ii. 8 ; Rom. iii. 28. 

8. Salvation is freely and sincerely offered in the Gospel, 
to all men, upon condition of faith ; which faith includes a 
cordial approbation of the law, character and government of 
God, and of the person, offices, words and Avorks of Christ; 
with which condition all, who hear the Gospel, have natural 
power, and are bound in duty to comply. — Isa. xlv. 22 ; Iv. 1, 
2, 3 ; Matt. xi. 28, 29 ; Mark xvi. 15 ; Eph. ii. 8 ; Rom. iii. 
28 ; iv. 5-14 ; v. 1 ; Acts ii. 38 ; John iii. 15 ; Luke 
xiii. 3. 

9. " God, of his mere good pleasure, from eternity, elected 
some of mankind to everlasting life ; " whom He renews by 
His Spirit, and keeps by His power, through faith unto salva- 
tion. — Phil. ii. 13; Romans ix. 11; xi. 5 ; ix. 16; Acts 
xiii. 48. 

10. Those who obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, will be punished with endless misery ; " whereimto 



CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH IN NORTH ABINGTON. 217 

also they were appointed." — Rom. ix. 17, 18 ; v. 7-9 ; Prov. 
xvi. 4: Phil. ii. 13. 

11. Good works, which are such as flow from holy love, 
are evidences, but uot the ground of justification, which is 
Avholly of grace, through the atonement of Christ. — Romans 
ii. G ; iii. 20 ; ix. 31, 32 ; Matt. x. 42 ; vii. 20 ; Luke vi. 44. 
James ii. 18. 

12. Visible and professing believers only, ought to be 
admitted to the Lord's Supper, and they ought to be baptized 
with water. — Matt. xxii. 11, 12, 13; 1 Cor. x. 16-21 ; xi. 
23-29 ; Acts ii. 47 ; Matt. x. 32, 33 ; xxviii. 19 ; Acts ii. 
38, 39 ; iii. 12, 36, 37, 38 ; xvi. 15, 33. 

13. Tlie Congregational mode of church government, and 
Presbyterian ordination, are agreeable to the will of Christ. — 
1 Tim. iv. 14 ; 3d chapter ; Phil. i. 1 ; Acts xiii. 43 ; xiv. 23. 

14. At the end of the world, Christ will raise the bodies 
of all the dead to life, and judge all mankind in righteousness, 
according to their deeds. — Acts xvii. 31, 32 ; Eccl. xii. 14 ; 
Jude vi. 14, 15; 2 Peter ii. 4 ; Matt. xii. 36 ; Luke xviii. 
30 ; Rom. ii. 6, 7 ; Heb. x. 26-31 ; Rev. xxi. 8. 

COVENANT. 

In the presence and fear of God, who searcheth our hearts, 
and before whom we expect shortly to stand, to give account 
for all the deeds done in the body, we do solemnly, and with a 
sincere desire to promote the Divine glory, covenant to walk 
together as a visible church of the Lord Jesus Christ. 
We promise to adhere to the preceding articles of our faith, 
in their true and proper sense and import ; and so far as in us 
lies, to preserve and transmit them pui'e and entire, and to 
defend them against all gainsayers and opposers. We avouch 
the Lord Jehovah, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, to be our 
God, and the supreme object of our affections. We promise, 
relying on Divine assistance, to walk in all the command- 
ments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. In particular, 
we promise to make the sacred Scriptures our study ; to 
observe the first day of the week as a holy Sabbath ; to 
19 



218 CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH IN NORTH ABINGTON. 

assemble together, statedly, for the public worship of God, 
and the administration of the Word and ordinances, and of 
the discipline of Christ's house, at such times and places as a 
majority of us shall appoint ; to avoid giving offence to each 
other, either by immoral practices, heretical sentiments, or 
schismatical conduct ; to walk honestly toward them that are 
without ; to maintain the worship of God in our families ; to 
give a religious education to our children and those committed 
to our trust, and to have the privilege of baptizing our chil- 
dren, and allowing them all the gospel privileges to which the 
children of believers are entitled. We covenant to submit to 
the regular discipline of the church ; to confess and make 
Ciiristian satisfaction for our offences ; and to deal faithfully 
with our offending brethren and sisters according to the rule 
given us by Christ, in the eigliteenth chapter of His Gospel by 
Matthew. In fine, we covenant to do all in our power, — as 
duty may call, — to promote the peace, order, purity and 
growth of this church, the spiritual welfare and edification of 
every member, the spread of the Gospel in the world, and the 
great interests of Zion universally. 

This, our solemn covenant, we promise to keep faithfully 
and uublamably to the end of our lives ; deeply impressed 
with a sense of our own weakness and un worthiness ; looking 
UQ^to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, as our 
Saviour and only hope ; to the Spirit of all grace, as our 
sanctifier, to work all our works in us ; and to the God and 
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, that He would graciously 
keep us, by His mighty power, through faith, unto salvation. 

ARTICLES OF DISCIPLINE. 

1. A church consists of a number of visible saints, Avho 
unite and bind themselves by a public profession of the 
Christian religion, and by a mutual covenant, to maintain 
religious communion, in the worship and service of God, and 
the ordinances and discipline of the Gospel. 

2. Such a company of saints possesses all the power which 
the Lord Jesus Christ has given to His church ; and is war- 



CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH IN NORTH ABINGTON. 219 

ranted, independently of any other body, to exercise in His 
name the authority which He has given in tlie Scriptures for 
the maintenance of the peace, order, purity, and happiness of 
His churches. 

3. A church may exist, and has a right to act, respecting 
all its interests and concerns, previously to the election and 
appointment of its standing officers. 

4. It is the duty and privilege of a church to choose and 
appoint its own officers, who are bound, when they are regu- 
larly inducted to office, to act as servants of the church for the 
promotion of its spiritual interests in the duties of their 
appointment. 

5. The ordinary and necessary officers of a church are 
ministers and deacons ; but a church has a right to appoint 
any of its members to the performance of any service that 
may be accounted necessary or expedient for the advancement 
of its spiritual interests. 

6. It is the office and duty of a minister to preside in the 
church, to preach the Gospel, to administer the ordinances, 
and to labor publicly and privately for the spiritual welfare of 
all the souls that are committed to his charge. 

7. It is the office and duty of a deacon to perform any 
stated or occasional service that is assigned by the church, and 
particularly to serve the church at the administration of the 
Lord's Supper, and in the communication of their charity, to 
relieve the temporal necessities of its needy members. 

8. A church is bound by its covenant, and by the require- 
ments and exhortations of the Scriptures, to be attentive to 
the conduct and state of all its members, to maintain and 
manifest a spirit of Christian affection and sympathy, and to 
watch for the prevention of unchristian and disorderly conver- 
sation and behavior. 

9. If any member of a church do any injury or give any 
offence to another member, it is his duty to go without delay 
to the one whom he has injured or offended, and make a 
Christian acknowledgment and confession of his fault, and 
render satisfaction toliis offended and injured brother. 



220 CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH IN NORTH ABINGTON. 

10. "Whenever any member of a church is guilty of a scan- 
dalous oiFence, it is the duty of any other member, who has 
knowledge of the offence, to go directly to the offender, and 
proceed with him, according to the instructions of the Loi'd 
Jesus Christ, in the eighteenth chapter of Matthew's gospel. 

11. None ought to bring a complaint against a member of a 
church before the body, unless they are satisfied there is just 
cause of complaint, and evidence of the offence, nor until 
they have taken the private methods to convince and reclaim 
bim. 

12. A church ought not to receive a complaint against a 
member, unless it be brought by two or three, who testify that 
the private methods to reclaim him have been taken without 
success, and that he ought to be called to an account by the 
church. 

13. A church ought to excommunicate every offending 
member who persists in his offence, or does not afford evidence 
of repentance and reformation, after dealing with him accord- 
ing to the Scriptures. 

14. An excommunicated person may not be restored but 
upon a public confession of his sin, a profession of repentance, 
and a reformation of his conduct. 

15. As Psalmody is a very important part of religious 
worship, it is the duty of a church to take proper measures 
for the decent and devout performance of this service. 

16. It is expedient for a church to obttsju the judgment 
and advice of other churches in important and difficult cases. 

The first officers of the church were James Ford, jr., and 
Samuel Wales, deacons. 

First pastor. Rev. Willard Pierce. 

The original members of the church were Thomas Beals, 
Ruth Beals, Dean Blanchard, Susanna Blanchard, Bracket 
Bowen, Susan Bowen, Elisha Faxon, Elbridge G. Ford, 
James Ford, James Ford, jr., Joseph Ford, Lewis Ford, 
Solomon Ford, Deborah II. Ford, Lucy G. Ford, Lurana 
Ford, Lydia Ford, Lydia S. Ford, Lydia T. Ford, Ruth Ford, 



FIRST UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY IN ABINGTON. 221 

"William Gurney, Rachel Gurney, Luther Jackson, Sally- 
Jackson, Cephas Noyes, Luther Noyes, Mary F. Noyes, 
Emerson Orcutt, Lydia Remington, Brackley Shaw, Ebenezer 
Shaw, Josiah Shaw, Anna Shaw, Hannah Shaw, Mary Shaw, 
Polly Shaw, Mary Smith, Huldah Smith, Joseph Smith, Seth 
C. Sprague, Betsey Sprague, Stephen Thayer, Sarah Thayer, 
Betsey Tirrell, Hannah Tirrell, Samuel Wales, Joanna Wales, 
Jolm Wild, Lucy Wild. 

Members added since the formation of the church, up to 
1842 :— 

Lydia Julio, Mary Orcutt, Susannah Hammond, Calvin 
Shaw, 2d, Olive Stetson, Annise W. Shaw, Esther Thayer, 
Almeda Norton, William Jones, Clarissa Jones, Elbridge 
Gurney, Brackley Shaw, 4th, Simeon Wales, Lewis Orcutt, 
Samuel Ellis, Lydia T. Beals, Emily Lamb, Lydia Cole, 
Salome Remington, Noah P. Ford, Phebe Ford, Willard 
Pierce, Eleanor W. E. Pierce, Abiel Orcutt, Betsey Orcutt, 
William P. Clark, Francis P. Holden, Lydia Holden. Mem- 
bers added since, one hundred. Total, March 1, 1860, one 
hundred and seventy-seven. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

nistorical Sketch of the First Universalist Society, Abington. 

The following account of the First Universalist Society of 
Abington has been kindly furnished me by Rev. Jos. Crehore, 
its present pastor, under whose able and devoted care that 
society appears to be enjoying unusual prosperity. 

A meeting of the friends of Universalism was held April 6, 
1836. 

William W. Cushing was chosen Clerk. Reuben Loud, 
Captain Thomas Hunt, Captain Nathaniel Nash, Edward 
E. Bennett and Jesse Dunham, were appointed a committee 
19* 



222 FIRST UNIVERSALTST SOCIETY IN ABINGTON. 

to circulate a subscription paper, and make arrangements for 
holding religious services on the Sabbath. 

Reuben Loud, William W. Gushing, Jesse Dunham, Captain 
Thomas Hunt and Daniel Hall were chosen to take into con- 
sideration " the expediency of forming a society." 

This was the first movement in Abiugton, of which we have 
any record, towards an organization of those interested in the 
doctrines of Universalism, though there had been occasional 
preaching by different clergymen of the denomination previous 
to this time ; the meetings being held at what was known as 
the " Pine Wood School-house," situated on or near the spot 
occupied by the present school-house on Plymouth Street. 

At an adjourned meeting, April 20, this committee, to 
whom this matter of forming a society was referred, reported 
favorably, and the business was at once proceeded with. A 
Constitution was presented and adopted, the names of mem- 
bers subscribed, and officers chosen. 

No special declaration of faith was made, or statement of 
belief adopted, but the purpose of the society as set forth in 
the Second Article of the Constitution was " the promotion 
of truth and morality among its members, and also in the 
world at large, by maintaining the preaching of the Gospel 
of the Lord Jesus Christ, and aiding in any other practicable 
way in spreading a knowledge of it." 

Among the names subscribed to the Constitution as its 
members in this the beginning of its history, we find those of 
Eeuben Loud, Isaac Hersey, William W. Cushing, Nathaniel 
Nash, Edward E. Bennett, Nathaniel B. Bennett, Daniel Plall, 
Ezekiel Reed, Micah P. Beal, Hickford Ferris, Benjamin 
Dunham, Thomas Hunt, James O. Nash, Merritt Nash, Jesse 
Dunham, Robert D. Warren, William Nash, Bela Smith, 
Luther Glover, Lysauder Dunham, Jacob Lovell, Jonathan 
Arnold, Charles Meserve, Robert Meserve, John P. Lyon, 
Frederick Lyon, Josiah Cushing, and some twenty oUiers. 

After a few Sabbaths preaching by different clergymen, an 
engagement was effected with Rev. Thompson Barron. Mr. 
Barron, therefore, was the first pastor of the society, and this 



rreST UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY IN ABINGTON. 223 

was his first settlement. "What was the extent of his term of 
hibor, or when he closed his connection with the society, the 
record does not show. From the data given in other matters, 
together with what is told us by those then active in the work, 
we judge that he remained less than a year. 

Immediately succeeding his labors, there seems to have 
been a period in which the society depended upon the services 
of such clergymen as could be procured from Sunday to 
Sunday, till April, 1838, when an engagement was effected 
with Rev. E. Hewitt. Mr. Hewitt commenced his labors at 
once, preaching every alternate Sunday, till April, 1840, when 
he was engaged to devote his whole time with the society, 
and continued pastor till 1845. He was succeeded by 
Rev. Z. H. Howe. Mr. Howe remained with the society 
but a little more than a year. In July, 1846, an invi- 
tation was extended to Rev. Leander Hussey. He ac- 
cepted and entered at once upon his labors. His term of 
pastorship was a little less than tw^o years, closing in April, 
1848. The following June, Rev. J. Whittier assumed the 
duties of the office, and continued his connection with the ■ 
society till October, 1849. Another period of about five 
months now ensued, in which the pulpit was supplied by 
such clergymen as could be employed from Sunday to Sunday. 
April 1, 1850, Rev. N. Gunnison accepted the invitation of 
the society. His engagement continued till November, 1853, 
when he resigned, and the pulpit was supplied for a few 
months by Rev. T. W. Silloway. From April, 1855, to 
April, 1856, Rev. E. S. Foster filled the oflTice of pastor, 
when continued ill-health obliged his resignation, and Rev. 
Varnum Lincoln became his successor. Mr. Lincoln remained 
with the society till April, 1860. Pie was succeeded by the 
present pastor. Rev. J. Crehore, who commenced his labors 
in July of the same year. 

Tlie meetings of the society, as has been remarked, w^ere 
held at first in what was known as the " Pine Wood School- 
house." At the commencement of the third year — 1S38 — 
finding the school-house insufficient for their accommodation, 



224 FIRST UNrVERSALIST SOCIETY IN ABINGTON. 

it was voted to remove to the Town House. Arrangements 
were accordingly made, and the meetings held there till the 
completion of the church, which was erected in 1841. The 
first movement toward this work, of which we have record, 
was made at the annual meeting in April, 1841, when the 
raising of funds for the purpose was put into the hands of 
William W. Cashing. The success of Mr. Gushing was such, 
that preparations for building were soon in progress, and the 
corner-stone was laid, with appropriate ceremonies, on the 
Fourth of July. The house was finished, and the services of 
Dedication were held December 22, in the foi-enoon. The 
sermon was preached by Rev. S. Cobb. Revs. J. M. Spear, 
E. II. Lake, and R. Tomlinson also took part in the services. 
In the afternoon of the same day Rev. E. Hewitt was installed 
as Pastor. The Sermon Avas by Rev. Ilosea Ba'lou of Boston, 
from the text, Jeremiah xxx. 19. Installing Prayer, by Rev. 
J. M. Spear. Charge to the Pastor, by Rev. S. A. Davis. 
Right Hand of Fellowship, by Rev. J. S. Barry. Address to 
the Society, by Rev. R. L. Killam. 

Mr. Hewitt had been laboring with the society nearly three 
years as its pastor, but had not resided in town, nor been 
formally installed. But when the question of building a 
meeting-house was decided, he was induced to remove here, 
and it was thought meet to observe the installing rite. 

A Sunday school has been in operation in connection with 
the society for several years, and has been attended with a 
good degree of prosperity. It is now in excellent condition, 
having something more than one hundred children connected 
with it. 

No formal church organization existed till a little more than 
two years ago, when several of the members of the congrega- 
tion, impressed with the importance and duty of a more positive 
and personal consecration, and the observance of the Sacrament 
of the Lord's Supper, xmited in chui'ch relations. 

This church was publicly recognized by special religious 
services, February 11, 1862. It now numbers twenty-six 
members, having lost two by death since its organization. 



THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. 225 

Its " Declaration of Faith " is that adopted by the Universalist 
Churches generally, viz. : — tliat " God is one, a Being infinite 
in wisdom, power and goodness, and in every possible per- 
fection. That Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the promised 
Messiah and Saviour of the world. That the Scriptures of the 
Old and New Testaments are a revelation from God, com- 
municating teachings and principles for the direction of human 
conduct in all the relations and circumstances of life — showing 
the character and govei'nment of God, the rewards of virtue, 
tlie punishments of vice, and revealing the final purpose of 
lufinite Wisdom in the reconciliation of all thiugs to God, so 
that He at last shall be All in All." 



CHAPTER XXVn. 

The Catholic Church. 

The Catholic congregation of Abington is of very modern 
origin ; it dates back only to the completion of the Old Colony 
Raih'oad, though before that there were a few Irish settlers 
scattered about the town. Yet it was only in 1846 that a 
number of those who had been employed on the works of the 
railroad became permanent residents of the town, and formed 
the nucleus of the present large organization. 

The Catholics of Abington were occasionally attended from 
Quincy, where the Rev. Mr. Caraher resided, and who then 
had spiritual charge of all the members of his denomination 
from South Boston to Bridgewater. 

In 1848, the Rev. J. T. Roddan was appointed by the 
Bishop of Boston to the pastoral charge of Quincy, and mis- 
sions. Under his ministration, both from emigration and the 
natural increase of population, coupled with enlarged demands 
for labor and the growing prosperity of the town, the Catholic 



226 THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. 

population of Abington made rapid strides to its present large 
proportions. 

The first attempt towards a permanent organization of this 
society was in 1854, when Rev. Mr. Roddan, aided by his 
people, purchased of "Washington Reed, of East Abington, 
seven acres of land, six of which M'ere reserved for the Cem- 
etery, and the remaining one, adjoining the road between East 
and Centre Abington, was intended as the location of the new 
church as soon as Providence should enable them to collect 
funds towards its erection. 

In 1856, Rev. Mr. Roddan was moved to Boston, and the 
Rev. A. L. Roche, the present incumbent, was appointed as 
his successor. The Catholics of Abington were regularly at- 
tended twice a month ; sei'vices were held in the Town Hall. 
The first permanent effort towards the building of the church 
edifice was made in April, 1862, when Mr. Roche purchased 
the estate formerly owned by Jesse Dunham, corner of Ply- 
mouth and Central streets, — the lot at the Cemetery being 
considered unsuitable. 

Several meetings of the congregation were held for the pur- 
pose of raising funds, which were given very liberally by the 
members, who are all working men ; and on the 30th day 
of September, 1862, the first work Avas commenced in digging 
out the foundations and building the cellar. The plans for the 
church were furnished by Mr. James Murphy, of Providence, 
architect. The lumber was deposited on the ground the 12th 
of June, 1863 ; and the work was pushed forward to its com- 
pletion. Mr. Gannon, of Roxbury, built the cellar. The 
contract for the carpenters' work was taken by Mr. P. E. 
Reed, of Boston. The plastering was executed by Mr. 
Thomas Parker, of Roxbury. The painting by Mr. Thomas 
NixoD, of Taunton ; and the stained glass windows were 
manufactured by Messrs. Morgan Brothers, of New York ; 
and on Thanksgiving Day, November 25th, 1863, the church 
was consecrated to the service of Almighty God by the Right 
Rev. Bishop McFarland, of Hartford, under the invocation 
of St. Bridget, Patroness of Ii'eland. 

[Communicated by Kev. Mr. Roche.] 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

Proceedings at the Semi- Centennial Celebration, June 10, 1862. 

On the 10th day of June, 18C2, the town of Abington cele- 
brated the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of its incorpo- 
ration, by an oration, poem, and other exercises, at " Island 
Grove." A full account of the celebration was published at 
the time in pamphlet form, by the coramittee of arrangements ; 
but as the occasion was of rare interest, I have deemed it 
advisable to incorporate into my Historical Reminiscences a 
single chapter, embracing the more important facts of that 
interesting historical event. I shall oflier no apology for 
copying entire the record of the proceedings attending the 
celebration, especially as I shall thereby embody in this work 
the names of many of my respected fellow-townsmen, and of 
others who participated in the duties and honors of that day. 
The following is the record : — 

" In the warrant for a town-meeting, to be held at the Town 
Ilall in Abington, on the 28th of April, 18G2, the following 
article was inserted, viz.: 

" To see if the town will take measures to celebrate the one 
hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the incorporation of the 
town of Abington." 

At the meeting thus called, the following resolves were 
oiVered by Hon. Levi Reed, and adopted : — 

" Eesolved, That as the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary 
of the incorporation of this town occurs on the tenth day of 
June next, it is expedient that the occasion be noticed by a 
public celebration, which shall commemorate an event so im- 
portant in our histoi-y. 

" Resolved^ That the selectmen, with nine others, to be 
nominated by them, be a committee to make all necessary 

(227) 



228 SEMI-CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 

arrangements for such a celebration, with full power to procure 
an orator and music ; and to make such provisions for the 
accommodation of the public as they shall judge best." 

In accordance with the foregoing resolves, the following 
named persons were chosen to act with the selectmen: — Levi 
Reed, Isaac Hersey, Nahum Reed, Abner Curtis, John N. 
Noyes, James Ford, Sumner Shaw, Meritt Nash, and I. J. 
Rowland.* 

The committee of arrangements held their first meeting 
April 30, and organized by the choice of Hon. Levi Reed as 
chairman, and Isaac Hersey, Esq., as secretary. 

It was decided to have the celebration at " Island Grove ; " 
and a committee, consisting of S. B. Thaxter, John N. Noyes, 
and Meritt Nash, was chosen to make all necessary arrange- 
ments with Messi's. Reed and Noyes respecting the Grove. 

Rev. E. Porter Dyer, of Hingham, a native of the town, 
was invited to deliver the oration, and James Wilson Ward, 
jr., Esq., of Guilford, Conn., also a native of the town, was 
invited to deliver a poem. 

An invitation to be present on the occasion was extended to 
His Excellency Governor Andrew, together with his staff, and 
the Executive Council. 

The following were chosen officers of the day : — 

President — Levi Reed. Vice-Presidents — Isaac Hersey, 
Benjamin Hobart, James Ford, Josiah Shaw, Asaph Dunbar, 
Marcus Reed, Joseph Hunt, Zenas Jenkins, Jenkins Lane, 
Jared Whitman. Treasurer — Samuel B. Thaxter. Chief 
Marshal — Samuel B. Thaxter. Assistant Marshals — Jason 
Hersey, Daniel Gloyd, Charles Bearce, Horace Reed, Gridley 
T. Nash, Leander Curtis, Jonathan Arnold, jr., Joshua Cur- 
tis, jr., Samuel H. McKenney, Josiah Soule, jr., William E. 
Pool, Charles W. Howland. Toasi-Master — Samuel N. Cox. 
Committee of Finance — Zenas Jenkins, Nahum Reed, Meritt 

* Subsequently, at a meeting of the " Committee of Arrangements," 
Mr. Howland declined serving, and Mr. S. N. Cox was chosen to fill 
the vacancy. 



SEMI-CENTEXNIAL CELEBRATION. 229 

Nash, James Ford. Committee on Music — Nahum Reed, 
Meritt Nash, Zenas Jenkins. Committee of Correspondence — 
Isaac Hersey, John N. Noyes, Samuel B. Thaxter. Commit- 
tee to print the Oration, Poem, and Proceedings — Isaac Hersey, 
Samuel N. Cox, John N. Noyes. 

Tlie citizens of Abington never won for themselves more 
credit than on Tuesday, the 10th day of June, on the occasion 
of the celebration of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary 
of the incorporation of the tovs^n. The day was all that one 
could wish, bright, cool, and airy ; and Avas just one of those 
days when everything looks pleasant and lovely. The Natal 
Day was announced by the ringing of all the bells in town. 
At an early hour the people were alive to the requirements of 
the occasion, and began their preparations for the public exer- 
cises of the day. Many of the sons and daughters of old Abing- 
ton, from far and near, were at liome to share in the festivities 
of the day, and worthily to remember their mollier-toion. The 
citizens of the town, forgetting their usual avocations, turned 
out en masse to honor the day ; and large delegations from the 
neighboring towns were present to participate in the exercises 
of the occasion. 

At half-past nine, a.m., on the arrival of the morning train 
from Boston, the escort, consisting of the South Abington In- 
fantry (Co. E, Fourth Regiment, M. V. M.), accompanied by 
the South Abington Band, received Ilis Excellency Governor 
Andrew, the members of the Executive Council, the invited 
guests, and the Committee of Arrangements, at the depot at 
the Centre, and proceeded at once to " Hatherly Hall," where, 
after waiting a few minutes, the Procession was forrned in the 
following order : — 

Chief Marshal and Aids. 

Music. 

Military Escort. 

J.J President of the Day and His Excellency a-. 

Aid. ri A 1 ^ A%d, 

Governor Andrew. 

The Executive Council. 
20 



230 SEMI-CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 

Members of the State Department. 
Aid. Orator of the Day and Chaplain. Aid. 

Poet of the Day and invited Speakers. 

Aid. Soldiers of 1812. Aid. 

Members of the Legislature. 

Town Officers. 

Invited Guests. 

Vice-Presidents. 

Aid. Committee of Arrangements. Aid. 

Aid. Pilgrim Royal Arch Chapter. Aid. 

John Cutler Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons. 
Aid. Organization of Sons of Temperance. Aid. 

School Committee, Teachers, and Children of the Public 

Schools. 
Aid. Citizens Generally. Aid. 

Aid. Cavalcade. Aid. 

Passing through Washington Street, Centre Avenue, and 
Plymouth Street, the Procession proceeded to "Island Grove," 
where the exercises of the day were to take place, ai'riving at 
precisely the hour (11 o'clock) which had been fixed upon by 
the Chief Marshal. 

Forming, as it did, one of the essential features of the occa- 
sion, the procession deserves something more than a passing 
notice. 

The South Abington Band furnished good evidence that the 
reputation of the town, for proficiency in music, would receive 
no detriment at their hands. 

The military escort for the occasion, (South Abington 
Infantry,) appearing with full ranks, gained great credit by 
their fine appearance and soldierly bearing, and showed that 
they Avere proficient in whatever pertained to their duties as 
citizen soldiers. 

The veterans of 1812 attracted, as they well deserved, con- 
siderable attention. They had gathered, after the lapse of 
half a century, a goodly number, although their ranks had 
been sadly thinned by time, to recall the scenes through which 



SEMI-CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 231 

tliey haci passed, and, by their presence, to add to the enjoy- 
nieat of the hour. 

The Masonic Fraternity, numbering some seventy, came 
out in full regalia. They were accompanied by the Wey- 
mouth Band, and formed a very attractive part of the 
procession. They carried a beautiful banner, with mottoes 
and devices peculiar to the order. 

The " Sons of Temperance " were represented by delega- 
tions from the various Divisions in town. They numbered 
nearly one hundred, and carried the banner of "Home" 
Division, with the motto — " We Live to Conquer." 

The School Committee and teachers of the public schools 
had made every exertion to render that interesting part of the 
procession — the schools — as attractive as possible, and their 
success was evident, from the encomiums awarded to it by 
observers. 

First came the Centre High School. Mr. L, P. Martin, 
Teacher, fifty pupils, with a banner adorned with a neatly 
executed lettering of evergreen, giving the name of the school, 
the date of the celebration, and the motto — '■'■Viitus in 
Adione." 

The South Abington High School followed, with a banner 
inscribed with the name of the school, and the motto — 
^'Fortiter, Fideliter, Feliciter." Mr. D. H. Brown, Teacher ; 
forty-two pupils. 

Xext came the North Abington High School. Mr. J. F. 
Frye, Teacher ; seventy pupils. On their banner was the 
motto — " Suaviter in modo, Fortiter in re." On the reverse 
was inscribed — " The Love of Country Prevails" with the 
date of the celebration. 

These were followed by the intermediate schools, as fol- 
lows : — 

Adams Street Intermediate. Miss Maria J. Wales, 
Teacher ; fifty pupils. Motto — " Workers Together." 

Plymouth Street Intermediate. Miss Mary E. Reed, 
Teacher ; thirty-eight pupils. Motto — " Strive for the Right." 

Washington Street Intermediate. Miss Elizabeth B. Nash, 



232 SEMI-CENTENNIAL CELEBBATION. 

Teacher ; fifty-six pupils. Motto — " Excelsior" with a paint- 
ing of the aspiring standard-bearer. 

School Street Intermediate. Miss Ellen Dyer, Teacher ; 
forty-eight pupils. Motto — '■'■ Still Achieving, Still Pursuing." 

Hancock Street Intermediate. Miss Abby D. Sewall, 
Teacher ; forty pupils. Motto — " Omvard, Eight Omvard." 

Ashland Street School. Miss Alice M. Raymond, Teacher; 
twenty pupils. Motto — " Much in Little" with the date. 

When the procession reached the field adjoining the grove, 
they were joined by the East Abington Schools, as follows : — 

The High School. Mr. B. Fullerton, Teacher ; fifty pupils. 
Motto — '''■Mens Agitat Ilolem;" on the reverse, a painting, the 
rising sun. 

The three Intermediate Schools — Market Street, Union 
Street, and Webster Street — came next, with a banner with 
the motto — " We are Coming " followed by one hundred and 
sixty-five pupils. 

The North Union Street Intermediate. Miss Fidelia A. 
Hunt, Teacher, with forty-nine pupils ; and a banner with the 
motto — " The Future is Ours" brought up the rear. 

After music by the South Abington Band, Hon. Levi Reed, 
President of the Day, delivered a very appropriate introduc- 
tory address, setting forth the character and results of the 
event to be commemorated, the principles cherished by our 
fathers, and the rich heritage bequeathed to us through their 
undying attachment to those principles. 

The following " Hymn of Welcome," written for the occa- 
sion by Rev. Horace D. Walker, was then sung by the 
children of the public schools, to the tune of " Red, White 
and Blue " : — 

Hail ! Abington's sons and her daughters 

From all the new homes you have found; 
Say, is there a spot in those quarters 

Dearer now than your own native ground 
Where we of tlie new generation, 

As we come the old days to review, 
And learn to stand true to the Nation, 

Now ring out our welcome to you. 



SEMI-CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 233 

Welcome back to the home of your childhood, 

Ye who've wandered o'er land and o'er sea ; 
To our voice now let meadow and wildwood 

Echo back the loud notes full and free ; 
As to God, who can cheer all in sadness, 

To God, who will chase every fear, 
We lift now the song of our gladness 

This Hundred and Fiftieth Year. 

Welcome, all who have staid in your places, 

And been true to your holiest trust ; 
Who've taught us to mark well the traces 

Of the Wise, and the Pure, and the Just : 
O ! be sure that in gladness we greet you, 

Friends, relatives, gathered around; 
Your joy may we be as we meet you 

Through another half-century's bound. 

Welcome, all of each age and each station, 

And welcome our Governor true ! 
Three cheers for the State and the Nation ! 

Three cheers for the Red, White and Blue 1 
Our hearts will in gladness repeat it, 

Our pulses all bounding in glee ; 
With welcome, thrice welcome, we greet it, 

Our Abington's third Jubilee ! 

Rev. Asahel Cobb, of 'New Bedford, a native of the town, 
and chaplain of the day, offered prayer. 

The following Hymn, contributed by Mrs. Elizabeth L. 
Cnmmings, of Medford, a native of the town, was then sung, 
to the tune "America" : — 

God of our buried sires. 
Guard of their altar fires, 

Guide of their way ; 
Our grateful hearts and tongues 
Praise Thee in thankful songs, 
To whom all praise belongs I 

Bless us to-day. 
20* 



234 SEMI-CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 

While to the golden urn 
Of hist'ry's page we turn, 

Her garnered store 
Shows tlie brave Pilgrim band, 
Sifted from Fatherland, 
Wafted by heavenly hand, 

To plant our shore. 

Now o'er our Fathers' dust, 
Firm in their faith and trust, 

From us arise 
Blessings for Gospel light, 
For Halls of Learning bright. 
For Freedom, Truth and Eight, 

Gifts from the skies. 

Guard Thou our native town ; 
Here shed rich blessings down ; 

'Mid danger's night, 
'Mid war's fierce, fiery breath, 
Shield her young sons from death ; 
Preserve her ancient faith ; 

God speed the right. 

The President then introduced, as the Orator of the Day, 
Eev. E. Porter Dyer, of Hingham. 

Glancing briefly at the characters of the first settlers, and 
the motives which impelled them to forsake their father-land 
for this, the Speaker began with the first grant of land in this 
town in 1642, and sketched a brief outline of its early history; 
— the character of its soil, its progress in population and 
improvements, its incorporation, its first meeting-houses and 
ministers, and schools, its manufactures and agricultural pro- 
ducts, its early poverty and remarkable growth. A single 
extract from the oration will show the poverty of Abington 
while the town was yet in its infancy. 

" More than a century after the Mayflower discharged her 
precious cargo on Plymouth Rock, and fourteen years after 
tlie incorporation of this town, I find a record, which states 
that on application of Scituate, and eight families of Abington, 



SEMI-CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 235 

to be set off to that toAvn, the inhabitants of this town, ia 
their dissent, give the following reasons : First, that there 
were but fifty-three families in town, five of whom were lately 
married, and lived under the roofs of others; six of them were 
widows, and of the rest, some of them Avere so poor that they 
were not rated, but had need of support from the town ; and 
second, that only the easterly part of the town was then fit for 
settlement. 

" At this time, 172G, Abington was altogether the poorest 
town in Plymouth County. In the list of the Province taxes 
for that year, the tax of Abington was only £35 4s. 8d., 
while that of Scituate (then including Hanover) was £317 Qs. 
At that time there was not a town in the whole county which 
was not taxed considerably more than twice as much as 
Abington. 

"In 1751, twenty-five years later, out of fourteen towns in 
the county, Abington Avas the ninth in point of wealth. In 
1800, Abington was the eighth town. In 1830, the sixth. In 
1851, the fourth. In 18G1, the valuation of Abington, by the 
State, greatly exceeded that of any other town in the county ; 
and while the whole State taxes of Scituate, South Scituate, 
and Hanover, were only $5,958, those of Abington alone Avere 
$7,578." 

The Speaker also glanced at a fcAV of the prominent citizens 
of former years, and at the patriotic and military ardor of the 
town. But further extracts from the oration Avould transcend 
the limits of this article ; and it must sufiice to barely notice 
the remaining exercises of the grand occasion. 

The oration was followed by music from the South Abing- 
ton Band. The procession was re-formed, and marched to a 
large tent near the entrance to the grove, Avhere dinner had 
been provided by Messrs. Reed & Noyes, for seven himdred 
and fifty persons. Many were unable to procure tickets, as 
the supply Avas limited to the accommodations. 

The Assembly having taken their places at the tables, a 
blessing was invoked by the Chaplain. The President of the 



23B 5EMI=CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 

Day then introclnced as Toast-MastBr, Mr. Samuel N. Cox, 
who atinoimced the regular sentiments : — 

1. The President of the United States — The "Weymouth Band 
responded by playing " Hail to the Chief." 

2. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts — Responded to by 
His Excellency Governor Andrew, who concluded his glowing 
tribute to the worth of Massachusetts soldiers with this senti- 
ment, — " The brave and honest heart.'" Three cheers for 
Governor Andrew followed, and music by the South Abington 
Band. 

3. The Natural Productions of Abington — James Wilson 
"Ward, jr., Esq., of Guilford, Conn., responded at length in a 
humorous and witty poem to the praise of St. Crispin, the 
tutelary saint of Abington. 

The closing portion of the poem, a prayer for the Union, 
was especially fine. A few stanzas are here inserted. 



"Let success attend our banner, 

Write thy name on every fold ! 
Still maintain its sacred honor, 

Still preserve its stars of gold ! 
While tlirough ages yet unending 

History writes the deeds of men, 
Give us dignity, transcending 

Patriot's hope or prophet's ken ! 

And when Time its march has finished 

And its mighty cycles cease, 
Still with honor undiminished, 

M.ay our nation's end be Peace. 
When archangel trumpet pealing 

Sounds the knell of hoary time, 
May it bring the full revealing 

Of an heritage sublime ! 
* * * * m 

O thou God of our salvation, 
All our hope is in thy hand ; 

Make us thine, a chosen nation — 
Make us thine, Immanuel's land ! " 



SEMI-CENTEKKIAL CELEBRATION. 237 

4. OiLr Fellmv-Totonsman, Hon. Bevjamin Hohaii — Vener- 
able for his years, and respected by all for the deep interest 
which he has taken in the affairs of this his native town. 
This sentiment was responded to by a statement of numerous 
facts concerning the growth and progress of Abington. The 
response closed with this sentiment : — 

The Toivn of Abington — Its population, valuation and indus- 
try, is greater than that of any other town in the County of 
Plymouth ; and stands, in point of population, exclusive of 
cities, the sixth town in the State. 

5. The Early Ministers of the Toivn — Responded to by Rev. 
F. R. Abbe, Pastor of the First Church. 

A hymn, written for the occasion by Rev. H. D. Walker, 
was then sung, to the tune of "Auld Lang Syne." 

6. The Common Schools of New England — Responded to by 
Rev. H. D. Walker, Chairman of the School Committee. 

7. The Press — Responded to by Charles F. Dunbar, Esq., 
of the " Boston Daily Advertiser," himself a native of the 
town. 

8. The Clergy — Responded to by Rev. Isaac C. White, of 
Plymouth, also a native of Abington. 

9. The Orator of the Day — Responded to by Rev. E. Porter 
Dyer. 

10. Masonry — William D. Coolidge, Esq., of Newton, 
Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, responded. 

11. Our Temperance Organizations — Responded to by Rev. 
Joseph Crehore. 

12. Our Volunteers — By Rev. Henry L. Edwards. 

13. The Volunteer Militia — Response by Serj. B. F. Peter- 
son, Company E, (South Abington Infantry,) Fourth Regiment 
M. V. M. 

Several volunteer sentiments followed, and music by the 
Weymouth Band concluded the exercises of that deeply inter- 
esting historical occasion. 

Letters were received from Seth Hobart White, Esq., of 
Delhi, New York, Rev. Joseph Pettee, of Abington, Ellis 
Ames, Esq., of Canton, and Rev. Jacob White, of West 



238 



SEMI-CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. 



Bridgewater, all of which were published with the proceed- 
ings of that day. 

A valuable Appendix was added, including historical facts 
of interest, votes of the town, " The Famous Resolves," * and a 
list of the names of surviving soldiers of the War of 1812, 
with their respective ages, and a tabular view of the population 
and valuation of Abington, through a series of decades. 

The following is a list of the soldiers of 1812, living at the 
time of the celebration. The list contains the names of a few 
persons who were not living in Abington in 1812, but who 
have since become residents of the town. The ages are as 
near as could be ascertained : — 



Names. 








Ages. 


Names. 








Aires. 


Daniel Alden 74 


Samuel Norton 6Q 


Ezra Alden . . 








. 72 


Alvah Noyes 








. 63 


Daniel Alger . . 








. 7G 


Benjamin Noyes . 








. 65 


Jonathan Arnold . 








. 68 


Jacob Noyes . . 








67 


Thomas Blanchard 








77 


James Noyes . . 








72 


Samuel N. Brown 








. 64 


Moses Noyes . . 








71 


Daniel Burrill 








68 


Zihcon Packard . 








66 


John Curtis . . 








66 


Samuel Porter f . 








81 


Josliua Curtis . . 








71 


Noah Pratt . . . 








71 


Eufus Curtis . . 








69 


Martin Ramsdell f 








70 


Joseph Damon . 








70 


Abel R. Reed f . • 








71 


James Dyerf . . 








80 


Abiah Reed . . 








70 


Daniel A. Ford . 








71 


David Reed . . 








72 


Saunders Gardner 








69 


Goddard Reed f • 








74 


Jonas Gilson . . 








73 


Jonathan L. Reed . 








71 


Chandler R. Gurney 








70 


Brackley Siiaw . . 








80 


John C. Harden . 








72 


Charles Shaw . . 








68 


Nehemiah Ilobart . 








76 


Nathaniel Shaw . . 








64 


Daniel Holbrook . . 








75 


Jolm Smith . . . 








71 


Ilichard Holbrook . 








70 


John Stetson . . . 








73 


David Humble . . 








73 


Gridley Thaxter . . 








78 


Isaiah Lane • . . 








75 


Ammiel Thompson . 








70 


Aaron Leavitt f . . 








71 


Jesse Torrey . . . 








72 


Leonard Nash . . 








71 Samuel Wales . . 








72 


Benjamin Norton 








66 Eleazer Whiting . . 








80 



* These Resolves are contained in a preceding chapter, 
t Deceased. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

Municipal Affairs of the Town. 

ToAVNS, in tlieir incorporate capacities, are democracies in 
the lowest form. Here the people meet together in their pri- 
mary assemblies, and exercise certain rights which are insured 
to them by the Constitution and laws of the State in which they 
reside, and of which they compose a part. Under these rights 
they lay out and make roads, keep them in repair, build school- 
houses, town-houses, poor-houses, &c., aud for these, and other 
purposes, raise money by taxation. They elect their own 
town officers and vote their pay. 

In another and a higher capacity they are a part of the 
people of the United States, and have a voice in the election 
of the President and Vice-President, of both houses of Con- 
gress, the Governor of the State, and both branches of the 
State Legislature. 

Town corporations are improvements of modern times ; the 
ancients had nothing of the kind : tlie people then were ruled 
by powers they had no hand in creating, aud were under 
governments iisually possessing more of an arbitrary charac- 
ter. Even now, in countries where the Catholic religion 
prevails, the people have but little influence in political and 
ecclesiastical affairs. .In this country the case is very differ- 
ent ; emigrants who settle here, can in a very short time enter 
into all the rights and privileges of (he native citizens. It is 
not perhaps strange that many who come among us, — espec- 
ially they who come from countries in which the people have 
little voice in civil and church affairs, — should not at first 
seem fully to appreciate the special privileges enjoyed here ; 
and should come short in the discharge of the higher recip- 
rocal duties and obligations which the enjoyment of these 

(239) 



240 MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 

privileges devolves upon them. It is not strange that they 
should appear at first to be with us, and not of us. Doubtless 
evils of no iTaconsiderable magnitude have arisen from this 
cause ; and we cannot be so sanguine as to expect that they 
will not occur in future ; but Ave believe that the tendency of 
the spirit of the age is to freedom and rationality ; and we can- 
not doubt that the evil of which we are speaking will gradually 
disappear. At all events, with the possession of such privi- 
leges as we in this country enjoy, it becomes very important, 
nay, it is a religious duty that the inhabitants of a town should 
improve them wisely and justly, for the good of the whole 
community. 

This duty, of late years, in many instances has been lost 
sight of and neglected, both by native and adopted citizens. 
Our municipal affairs have been too much influenced by 
politics, political partizans, and sectional views : town officers 
have too frequently been chosen under such influences. 

Our municipal affairs have probably, on the whole, been 
managed as well as those of other toAvns. It would be impos- 
sible now to give a detailed account of their doings : it would 
require a long article, and in many cases it would be impos- 
sible, as the records are very deficient, especially in early times. 
Many of the doings of the town have already been noticed 
incidentally in the previous chapters, in statements respecting 
roads, schools, finances, &c. 

Town meetings have been held annually ever since the 
incorporation of the town, in March or April, for the choice 
of town officers and other town business. A great many other 
town meetings, as occasion required, have been held since, 
amounting in the whole, — estimating ten in each year, — to 
fifteen hundred. 

The town has always been very careful to husband their 
finances. They cut down every expense as low as possible — 
especially in early times. They were not in the habit of bor- 
rowing money in anticipation of the collection of taxes. There 
are but a very few instances known of this kind. The town has 
always kept free from debt until within a few years. Besides 



MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 241 

votiL^g to raise money for war expenses, to put down the rebel- 
lion — which has been very patriotic and liberal — they have 
got into the habit, of late years, of voting to raise money by 
borrowing, on many occasions before the sums were assessed. 
In this way, if a town-house, a school-house, a poor-house is 
wanted to be built, a road to be made, it is voted to be done, 
and the town treasurer is directed to borrow the money for the 
purpose. This money goes into a town debt, and is never 
acted upon specifically. If the legality of raising money iu 
this way is not very doubtful, it is at least a very loose mode, 
and is liable to great abuse. The town now stands indebted 
for borrowed money, on town bonds, bank and individual 
loans, about $60,000. A good part of this debt was occa- 
sioned by the war expenses ; but it ought net to be increased 
by any future loans, and it ought to be reduced as fast as 
possible. 

A custom now prevails, and has for years, ^vith respect to 
the election of representatives to the State Legislature, which 
ought to be abandoned — that is, to elect them successively 
from the four sections of the town — South, Centre, North and 
East. Sections of a town are not represented in the Legisla- 
ture, but towns in their wJiole corporate capacity. This mode 
limits the field of selection of the most suitable candidates, and 
confines it to a quarter part of the town. Another practice 
that has come into vogue, and which ought to be abandoned, 
is limiting the term of service in the Legislature to two years. 
This practice of course makes it necessary, if a representative 
is ever so well qualified, that, after having served two years, 
and acquired experience, he shall give place to some one else 
elected from another quarter part of the town. This is sec- 
tional indeed, and gives place surely to rotation in office ; — 
which last, I fear, had too much to do in introducing the 
practice. 

In the last seventy years — from 1735 to 1806 — but eight 

different representatives were chosen, and in that year but one 

was chosen. Of these eight, one was chosen for seventeen 

years, one for fourteen years, one for six, one for five, one for 

21 



242 



MUNICIPAL AFFAIKS. 



four, and two for one year each. Five years there was no 
representative. These periods of service are for the most part 
very different from those of representatives in these days. 

The town has now been incorporated over one hundred and 
fifty years. The first town meeting was held March 3, 1713, 
at which the following town officers were chosen : — 

"William Plersey, Moderator; William Hersey, W^illiam 
Tirrill, and William Reed, Selectmen; William Eeed, Town 
ClerJc ; James Nash, Toiun Treasurer; Joseph Joselyn, Co7i- 
stahle ; Edmund Jackson and Nicholas Porter, Surveyors of 
Hightvays ; Ebenezer Whitmarsh and Edward Bates, Fence 
Vietvers." 

The selectmen were generally, if not without exception, 
assessors. To avoid repetition, their names ai'e given the first 
year they were chosen, and the number of years they served, 
without noticing the yeaa'ly changes. 



1713. 


William Hertey, 


2 


1739. 


John Noyes, 


12 


1713. 


AVilliam Tirrill, 


2 


1710. 


Ephraim Spooner, 


8 


1713. 


William Reed, 


10 


1744. 


Daniel Reed, 


15 


17U. 


Samuel Porter, 


o 


1752. 


Nath.aniel Pratt, 


1 


17U. 


Edmund Jackson, 


1 


1755. 


Woodbridge Brown, 


11 


1715. 


Andrew Ford, 


1 


1756. 


Samuel Norton, 


8 


1715. 


Edward Bates, 


10 


1758. 


Samuel Pool, 


6 


1716. 


Samuel French, 


7 


1760. 


, David Jones, 


6 


1716. 


James Nash, 


2 


1763. 


Josiah Torrey, 


10 


1/18. 


Isicholas Noyes, 


1 


1771. 


William Reed, jr. 


4 


1718. 


Samuel Pool, 


6 


1772. 


Samuel Brown, 


6 


1719. 


Joseph Josselyn, 


1 


1775. 


Joshua Howe, 


5 


1719. 


Samuel Noyes, 


1 


1775. 


Benjamin Bates, jr. 


3 


1720. 


Joseph Lincoln, 


2 


1775. 


Josliua Shaw, 


3 


1720. 


Hezekiah Ford, 


1 


1778. 


Daniel Reed, 


2 


17-1. 


Edmund Jackson, 


3 


1780. 


•Daniel Shaw, 


2 


1723. 


James Nash, 


1 


1780. 


Jacob Smith, 


11 


1728. 


Matthew Pratt, 


1 


1783. 


Jacob Pool, 


10 


] 728. 


Jacob Peed, 


8 


1785. 


Luke Bicknell, 


1 


1729. 


Joslnia Shaw, 


11 


1786. 


Jacob Dyer, 


1 


1729. 


Samuel Jackson, 


3 


1786. 


Thomas Reed, 


1 


1730. 


Samuel Reed, 


2 


1786. 


Edward Cobb, 


1 


1780. 


Thomas Tirrill, 


1 


1790. 


Josiah Torrey, 


4 


1733. 


Christopher Dyer, 


4 


1792. 


Benjamin Thaxter, 


1 


1734. 


Nicholas Shaw, 


3 


1793. 


Nathaniel Howe, 


1 


1735. 


Ebenezer Bates, 


1 


1794. 


Ephraim Noyes, 


6 


1735. 


Obadiah Reed, 


8 


1794. 


David Lane, jr. 


13 


1736. 


Jacob Porter, 


3 


1798. 


Samuel Norton, 


12 


1737. 


Joseph Hersey, 


4 


1799. 


Noah Ford, 


1 



MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 



243 



1709. Nathan Gurney, jr. 24 

180G. William Wales, 10 

1813. MicahPool, 11 

1816. James Bates, 12 

1819. Jared Whitman, 9 

1821. John Gushing, 9 

1824. David Beal, 17 

1830. Asaph Dunbar, 1 

1833. Joseph Cleverly, 8 

1833. Speneer Vining, 7 

1840. Nathan Beal, 2 

1842. Isaac Hersey, 9 

1842. Wm. W. Gushing, 1 

1843. William Bonney, 1 

1844. Joshua Whitmarsh, 1 

1844. Goddard Keed, 1 

1845. Zenas Jenkins, 2d, 6 



1845. Lysander Gushing, 1 

1846. Stetson Vaughn, 1 

1847. Davis Gurney, 3 

1850. Wm. P. Gorthell, 6 

1851. Samuel Eeed, jr. 1 

1852. Nathan S. Jenkins, 4 
1852. John N. Noyes, 3 

1855. Sylvanus Nash, 1 

1856. Marcus Eeed, 9 
1856. Joseph Wilks, 1 

1856. Micah H. Pool, 2 

1857. Henry A. Noyes, 5 

1858. Samuel V. Loud, 2 
1860. Zenas Jenkins, 5 

1860. William Brown, 1 

1861, Samuel B. Thaxter, 2 



TOWN CLEEKS. 



William Keed, 
Edward Jackson, 
Samuel Noyes, 
Jacob Keed, 
Thomas Tirrill, 
Jacob Keed, 
Woodbridge Brown, 
Josiah Torrey, 
Woodbridge Brown, 
Samuel Brown, 



1713- 
1719- 
1724- 



1732- 
1750- 



56- 



1718. 
1723. 
1729. 
1730. 
1731. 
1749. 
1754. 
1755, 
1777. 
1783. 



Luke Bicknell, 1784-1798. 

Richard Briggs, 1799. 

Luke Bicknell, 1800-1814. 

Samuel Norton, l8 15- 1820. 

Ezekiel Thaxter, 1821-1832. 

.Tolm Nash, 183.3-1851. 

Freeman P. Ilowland, 1851-1857, 

John N. Noyes, 1858-1859. 

Nathaniel T. Hunt, 1860-1864. 



It is to be observed that the Town Clerk has usually filled 
also the office of Town Treasurer. The only recent exceptions 
to this are these : — John N. Noyes was Town Treasurer in 
1857, Nathaniel T. Hunt in 1858 and 1859, Zenas Jenkins in 
1803, and George A. Beal in 1864. 

The following extracts of some of the votes passed by the 
town in former times, are stated as specimens of the extreme 
care which the inhabitants took in all matters that affected 
their interests, not even omitting to notice fashions and dress, 
and in some cases assuming the powers of legislation, and 
passing by-laws for the enforcement of their votes with fines 
for neglect to obey, and rewards for obedience. 

■ 5th March, 1716. — Voted, "That every man sixteen years 
old and upwards, shall kill twelve blackbirds, or pay two 
shillings to the town charge, more than their part." 



244 MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 

2a March, 1724.— * Voted, "That the Drinkwater people 
shall have liberty to make a Pound upon their own cost, and 
Isaac Hatch was chosen keeper of said Pound." 

5th Sept., 1726. — " Lieut. William Reed, Matthew Pratt, 
Edward Bates and Samuel Noyes, were chosen a committee 
to draw up objections in answer to the Drinkwater people's 
petition to draw off from them." And it Avas voted, that " Mat- 
thew Pratt and Samuel Noyes should carry the answer to 
the court." 

17th Nov. 1735. — Voted, "To send a petition to the Gen- 
eral Court, that we may be eased upon the Province taxes." 
The petition was presented and a resolve passed thereon. 

13th Jan. 173G.— "That the sum of £32 IGs. be granted 
and paid out of the public treasury to the Selectmen of Abing- 
ton, to reimburse the like sum they had paid as a fine for not 
sending a Representative, anno, 1734, and what they were 
overcharged in the Province tax." 

7th March, 1737. — Voted, "That any person that shall 
kill any grown wild cat this year, within our town, shall have 
20s." 

26th May, 1746.t— The town voted off " a part of their 
township to a number of petitioners." The part taken off Avas 
at the south end of the town. It was annexed to the corners 
of four of the neighboring towns, to from what Avas for many 
years called Tunk Parish in Pembi'oke, now Hanson. 

25th May, 1775. — Voted, "That it was an indecent way, 
that the female sex do sit in their hats and bonnets, to worship 
God in his house," and offensive to many of the good people of 
this town. 



** The people here referred to, lived in the neighborhood of Drink- 
water River, now in Hanover and Hanson. According to tradition, 
this river derived its name from the circumstance, that the first mill 
upon it was raised without the use of ardent spirits. 

fMy father (Col. Aaron Hobart) stated to me, that the people of the 
centre of the town did this to prevent the centre going farther south. 
The territory set off composed what is now a large part of Hanson. 



MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. 245 

11th Feb. 1777. — The currency of the country being in a 
state of rapid depreciation, the town agreed on the prices of 
hibor, provisions, and various articles of merchandise. A list 
is on record. 

29th May, 1780. — The town voted their acceptance of the 
constitution agreed on by the convention, but were for so 
modifying the third Article in the bill of rights, as to allow 
every one to pay his money for the support of public worship, 
Avhere he attended. They were, alsO; for limiting the number 
of counsellors and senators to thirty-four. 

9th June, 1788. — * Voted, "That no person shall set up 
any cake or cakes, or anything in imitation of cakes, or throw 
any stones or sticks at them, within half a mile of the meeting- 
house, each way on the public road, or on the green near the 
meeting-house. Any person so offending, shall pay a fine of 
5s. for the use of the town." 

14th Jan. 1793.— Mr. Niles, Col. Hobart, and Mr. Jacob 
Dyer, were appointed a committee to prepare instructions to 
the Representative against the repeal of the then law against 
tlieatrical exhibitions. 

1st April, 1793. — Voted, " That all persons that suffer their 
dog or dogs to go to meeting, at the meeting-house, when the 
people assemble for public worship, shall pay the same fine as 
is provided for breach of the sabbath." 

11th March, 1805.— ^ Voted, " To divide the town of Abing- 
ton into two separate towns." Sixty-eight in favor of a 
division, and forty-seven against it. At the same time a com- 
mittee of five were appointed to run the dividing line. 

Gth April, 1807. — The town refused to "vote off Aaron 
Hobart and others, as a separate religious society in the south 
part of the town," and appointed Daniel Lane, jr. and John 



* When I was a boy, the practice was to set up " toby cakes," as 
they were called, two, three, or four rods off, and throw stones at them, 
three or four for a copper : if they hit, they won. 

t This was on account of the singing difficulty. It was reconsidered 
soon afterwards. 

21* 



246 MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS OF EVENTS AND PERSONS. 

King Esq., agents to attend the Legislature and oppose their 
petition to be set off. 

15th Sept, 1812. — The town adopted a preamble and 
resolves, reported bj a committee, relative to the war, then 
recently declai-ed agaiut Great Britain. lu these, the war, 
which had been waged against "paper blockades," in derogation 
of our rights as a neutral nation, and against the British claim 
of a right to impress her own seamen out of American vessels 
on the ocean, and her pi'acticc, under that claim, of impressing 
naturalized and native American citizens, was declared to be 
both just and necessary. The town pledged their support in 
carrying it on, inculcated obedience to the Constitution and 
laws of the land, deprecated all opposition to the war in the 
shape of mobs, and all measures that tended in any way to 
destroy the union of the States, 

9th March, 1835. — Voted, "To build a house for holding 
future town meetings in." Subsequently, it was agreed to 
build the house on a half acre of land given by Capt. Thomas 
Hunt, and situated on the northerly side of the road, near 
Jesse Dunham's. The cost of the house was about $3,000. 



CHAPTER XXX. 

The First Settlements in Different Parts of the Town. — Some Account 
of the First Settlers. 

The first settlement in the town is said to have been in 
the north part. The Colony, in 1642, granted to Nathaniel 
Souther, the first Secretary of Plymouth Colony, two hundred 
acres of land on the west side of the Ilatherly Grant, running 
in Hatherly Range, two hundred rods nearly south and one 
hundred and sixty rods nearly west. James Lovell, of Wey- 
mouth, for himself, and Andrew Ford, purchased Souther's 



MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS OF EVENTS AND PERSONS. 247 

title to this grant of land, and subsequently (1679) Lovell 
conveyed to Ford his part of this grant ; which was at the 
time of conveyance, and always had been, in the possession of 
said Ford, and was known and called by the name of Ford's 
Farm. 

In Lovell's conveyance to Ford, this land is described as 
lying " by the road that goeth from Weymouth to Bridge- 
water." It seems that this conveyance was thirty years after 
the first purchase of the title from Souther. At that time 
there were other inhabitants on the Ford Farm, for in 1692 
the inhabitants on Ford's Farm were taxed fifteen shillings by 
the Colony. This tract of land was situated westerly from 
Deacon J. Cleverly's. The ancient house of the Fords, or one 
of them, was near a broken pile of rocks, a little westerly from 
a brook which rims by said Cleverly's house. 

It does not appear that James Lovell ever resided in this 
town. It is probable that he made over half of the purchase 
of Souther on speculation. Andrew Ford doubtless settled 
upon this grant soon after its purcliase. He was from Wey- 
mouth, and was named in the will of his fathei'-iu-law, Robert 
Lovell, dated 1654. lie had, at that time, two sons at least, 
and was the progenitor of all the Fords in Abington, and 
many others of the name out of town. (See History of the 
Ford Family, in Appendix.) 

In another portion of the town, the north-easterly part, 
(East Abington,) settlements began early; an interesting ac- 
count of which I have received from Nathan Beal, Esq., who 
has resided there all his lifetime, (over seventy-five years,) 
and many of his ancestors before him. 

The statement is as follows : — 

When the town of Abington was incorporated, (1710,) most' 
of the land in the north-easterly part was owned by residents 
of Iliugham ; a large part by Thaxters, Andrews and Lincolns, 
The Thaxters built a saw-mill in 1703, where Beal's corn-mill 
now stands, and built a small house west of the mill, south 
side of the dam ; and in it lived a slave, who tended said 
mill ; they also built a fi'ame house a few rods south of where 



248 MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS OF EVENTS AND PERSONS. 

Elias Pool now lives, where several slaves lived, who worked 
getting logs for the mill. This house is said to have been the 
first framed house raised in East Abington. They also built 
a barn near where Thomas Lane now lives. 

Eleazer Whiting, son of Thomas, a cooper by trade, came 
from Hingham and built a log house in a dense forest near 
Avhere Gideon B. Phillips' house now stands. He and Elisha 
Vining of Hingham lived there together for some time. He 
finally built a frame house where Jacob Whiting's house now 
stands, married Sarah Beal, daughter of Jedediah, of Hing- 
ham, March 6, 1746. He was an enterprising farmer, and, 
together with his sons, cari'ied on the coopering business. He 
died January 17, 1795, aged ninety-five. Cliildren — Jotham, 
Tliomas and Barzillai, all settled in Abington. 

Elisha Vining built a house in the field nortli of the east 
cemetery, near the Hanover line. Children — Elisha, David 
and Ebed. Elisha and Ebed settled in Abington ; David 
moved West. He had several daughters, who married in 
Scituate and Hingham. He died in April, 1799. 

About the same time Joseph Damon and Leavitt settled on 
the east side of Pond Street ; Benjamin Farrow settled in the 
woods west of Pond Street, at a place known as the Farrow 
Farm, and died May, 1809. Damon died March 9, 1805. 
The Leavitt family moved out of town. 

About 1754 Jacob Smith came from Weymouth, and built a 
house on the east side of what is now Liberty Street, where 
John Smith now lives. Before that, Benjamin Barrett, Umphry 
Barrett and Benjamin Clark had settled on said street. 

The first settlement of another part of the town, the south, 
then belonging to Bridgewater, I have learned from a very 
reliable source, Bela Dyer, Esq., who now resides on the 
estate of the first settler, William Dyer, and who is the fifth 
generation from him. He learned it from his grandmother, 
the widow of Christopher, of the third generation from William. 
The statement of the aged widow, (over eighty,) who was the 
mother of his father, Bela Dyer of the fourth generation, was, 
that three young men, residing one in the town of Weymouth, 



MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS OF EVENTS AND PERSONS. 24$ 

two in the town of Hingham, near the dividing line between 
the two towns, were all married within a few days of each 
other (in one week). They soon after all met together with- 
tlieir wives ; they were dissatisfied with their location, the 
land being rocky and sterile. Then the young men proposed 
to tlieir wives to emigrate to better lands (they had previously 
agreed to, if their wives would consent). The wives con- 
sented ; and the three husbands took their axes and knapsacks, 
in the spring, and came to the above location, erected log 
houses, cleared up around, and noved into them. 

Their names were William Dyer,* William Hersey and 
Thomas Josselyn. From these three young men has descended 
a numerous posterity. All of the Dyer family in South Abing- 
ton descended from this first Dyer, and many have removed 
elsewhere. The posterity of Hersey was formerly numerous 
in Abington, but now more so elsewhere. The descendants 
of Josselyn are but few here now ; many of them are to be 
found in East Bridgewater, Hanson, and other towns. 

Two of the sites of their buildings are now to be seen. 
Dyer settled a few rods back of where Bela Dyer now lives ; 
Josselyn a few rods back of Jonathan L. Reed's house ; 
Hersey, on " Tater Hill," as it was called, and which was 
where the new Tack Factory now stands ; the hill has been 
lowered over twenty feet since then, and the gravel was used 
for building the Old Colony Railroad. I have seen all the 
places ; they were all within about sixty rods of each other, 
on quite elevated land, yet differing from each other. The 
grounds were of easy tillage, rather of a sandy and loam soil. 
They were all within hail of each other, so that in case of 
being blocked up by snow, or any accident happening to 



* Some suppose the given name of this Dyer was Christopher, and 
not William; this was the belief of the late James Bates, Esq., a 
lineal descendant in the female line of this first settler. And this 
was, doubtless, true, according to the statement of this aged lady. 
She makes no mention of the first settler ever returning to Wey- 
mouth, and she married tlie third settler from him. 



250 MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS OF EVENTS AND PERSONS. 

either, by climbing a tree they could communicate with each 
other ; they were all uear a river, now called Hersey's Eiver, 
after the name of the one nearest to it. 

The selection of these sites showed great judgment and 
foresight in these emigrants ; three more suitable locations for 
them could not have been found in all South Abington. 

Mr. Dyer has the barrel and lock of a gun which belonged 
to the first settler. These pai'ts, Avith the old stock, were laid 
away for over fifty years, but are now in good order, (Mr. D. 
having put a new stock to them,) and the gun is now frequently 
used by him. It was used by the first settler in shooting a 
deer, which was fouud one morning standing before his door 
upon a rock. 

These traditionary statements are confirmed by " Hobart's 
Sketches of Abington," when he states the settlements of 
these three families. Josselyn was here in 1686, as he was a 
defendant in a lawsuit. He was from Hingham. Dyer was 
here from Weymouth before 1699, as he was appointed a 
surveyor of highways for that year. Hersey was here in 
1696, and is stated to have been part owner of a saw-mill 
raised in 1693. The mill stood on the dam, near the Tack 
Factory. He was from Hingham. From these dates and 
circumstances they must have been here some time previous, 
probably from 1670 to 1680. Tiiey were undoubtedly the 
same persons and families named by the above lady. 

The above genealogical account of the first settlers of the 
town and their descendants, is very clear and interesting. 
The settlements of the different parts of tlie town commenced 
about the middle of the seventeenth century, averaging about 
two hundred years since. Here Ave have the very names of 
most of the first settlers, and the very place in the Avilderness 
where they took up their habitation. Their posterity are very 
numerous in town, and many have gone to people other towns. 
Their names, with many others who joined them in the next 
century, (eighteenth,) compose most of the leading names of 
families in town. There are many other very respectable 
family names of those who have settled here within the 



MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS OF EVENTS AND PERSONS. 251 

present century (nineteenth). The Family Memorials in 
the Appendix add greatly to our knowledge of the first settle- 
ment of the town, and of leading family names. It is to be 
regretted there were not more of them furnished. Such 
memorials show the internal state of a community in their 
family relations. Our ancestors toiled and labored all their 
days ; their graves are with us, over which are recorded their 
births and deaths. "We have entered into all their labors, 
" and have a goodly heritage." 



CHAPTER XXXI. 



Some Account of the Slaves and their Owners. — Longevity of the 
African Race. — The Mulatto or Mixed Race. — Evil Consequences 
arising from the Union of White and Colored Persons. — Fires. — 
Tornadoes. — Native Lawyers. 

Slavery once existed in this town. There were slaves 
here before the revolutionary war, under the British Colonial 
Government. My grandfather, Isaac Ilobart, had several. 
My father inherited two of them : they were made free soon 
after, and left, but in a few mouths returned and requested to 
be taken back, saying they could find no employment, and no 
place that looked like their old home. They (Jack and 
Billiah, man and wife,) were permitted to take up their old 
quarters, and occupied them for many years. They lived to 
a great age — over ninety years each. They were maintained 
by the family many years after they were past labor. They 
had several children, none of whom are now known to be 
living. 

Mr. Brown, the first minister settled in town, had five 
slaves ; their names were Tony, Cuff, Kate, Floi-a, and Betty ; 
they all lived to be very old. Tony's age, at his deatli, is put 
down at one hundred years ; and all the rest are supposed to 



252 MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS OF EVENTS AND PERSONS. 

have lived over eighty years each. There was Pompey, in the 
south part of the town, once a slave of" a Mr. House ; Moses, 
at the centre, a slave of Mr. Nash ; Jack Bailey, who lived on 
Beach Hill, once a slave of a Mr. Bailey of Hanover. The late 
Dr. Gridley Thaxter had one (Frank), Avho was formerly 
owned by General Lincoln, of Hingham, of revolutionary 
memory. Frank came into Dr. Thaxter's care and keeping, 
by means of his wife, who was the daughter of the General. 
He having been a slave in the family before her marriage, was 
much attached to her, and called her his daughter. He was 
very aged — well nigh one hundred years. 

A Mr. Gary, of North Bridgewater, had a female slave 
named Patience, whose age exceeded one hundred years. 

After receiving their freedom, these colored persons lived in 
small buildings of their own, but most of them with the 
descendants — the children and grand-children — of their old 
masters. Not one of these, to my knowledge, was ever sup- 
ported by the town. In my early days I knew many of these 
once slaves. They were, with one exception, a quiet, peace- 
able race, and some of them Avere smart and active. There 
were probably from fifty to seventy-five slaves in town previous 
to the vState Constitution. . Those named above were all of 
African descent, and of unmixed color. 

There are several anecdotes told of some of these slaves that 
may be amusing to such as have not heard them. They relate 
principally to two of the slaves once held by Mr. Brown, and 
particularly to Tony (sometimes called Antony Dwight), and 
Cuff. It is not always certain to which of these a particular 
Anecdote relates. 

As introductory to Avhat I am to record of them, I will give 
some account of their owner, who was a very respectable gen- 
tleman, whose name was Josiah Torrey — familiarly called 
" Old Squire Torrey." Mr. Torrey lived in that part of the 
town called Locust, on the site where the late Philip Pratt used 
to live. Froni the inscription on his tombstone, it is ascer- 
tained that he descended from an ancient and respectable 
family in Weymouth, and was born Nov. 5, 1718. When he 



MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS OF EVENTS AND PERSONS. 253 

came to this town is not known. He was educated at Cam- 
bridge University, studied Divinity, and was a preaclier for a 
number of years, but finally left the profession and retired to 
private life. He was quite a laud-holder, and cultivated a 
large farm. lie married in succession the widows of the two 
first ministers settled in this town — Mr. Brown and Mr. 
Dodge. By his first wife, he came into possession of the 
slaves named above. They Avere not freed until after his 
(Mr. T's.) decease, Avhich was in 1783, at the age of sixty- 
five years. Mr. Torrey had no children. He devised his 
large estate to one of his sisters, who married a Mr. Pratt, a 
nephew whom he brought up, the late Deacon Josiah Torrey, 
Avho lived in the southeasterly part of the town, aud one of 
his nieces, who married Eliab Noyes. His remains were dis- 
interred within a few years, and, with the remains of other 
ministers of former years, deposited in Mount Vernon 
Cemetery. 

The two slaves referred to, after their freedom, took care 
of themselves. Tony had a small house near the Thicket 
Road, 

Of Tony it is recorded by Mr. Brown that he and one of 
the female slaves (Flora), in 1742, were admitted members of 
his church. 

One of the anecdotes told of Tony's strength and agility, is, 
that at the raising of a forty-feet barn belonging to Samuel 
Norton, Esq., he jumped from beam to beam, the whole length 
of the building. This has always been a mooted question ; 
and it seems almost impossible that it could have been done. 
There must have been five beams and four spaces of ten feet 
each, and to accomplish the feat it would be necessary to stand 
on a beam fifteen or sixteen feet from the ground, to jump 
over each of the four spaces, and come to a stand on the last 
beam. The two greatest difficulties would be to leap from the 
first beam over the first space, and to come to a stand on the 
last beam. That Tony jumped over all these spaces, I have 
no doubt. Such a tradition is not likely to have been fabri- 
cated. It is stated in "Hobart's Sketches of Abington," 
22 



254 MISCELLAKEOUS ITEMS OF EVENTS AND PERSONS. 

without any query or comment. My solution is that Tony did 
his jumping whilst the frame of the barn laid upon the ground, 
put together preparatory to raising ; and that by starting at a 
distance and running, he might do it — passing on from the last 
beam to the ground Avithout stopping. 

It is told also of Tony, when he complained of having to 
pick bones, and Mr. Torrey said to him, " the nearer the bone 
the sweeter the meat," that he tied Mr. T's. horse, after a 
hard day's work, all night, to a stake near a large rock, where, 
of course, he got hardly anything to eat. In the morning, 
when inquired of why he did so, he answered his master, 
" the nearer the bone, the sweeter the meat," — " the nearer 
the rock, the sweeter the grass." 

His master complained of his wearing out his shoes too fast, 
and got him a pair shod with iron, telling him he thought they 
would last him longer. Tony put them on and danced all 
night on a flat rock, and wore them entirely out. In the 
morning he carried them to Mr. Torrey, and said he had had 
a dance last night and wore them all up — iron bottoms did not 
last so long as leather ones. 

Mr. Torrey always required of Tony to remember the text at 
meeting, which he could never do correctly ; but on one occasion 
he came home from meeting and said to Mr. Torrey, " I've 
got him ; I remember tlie text." Mr. T. sai:i, " Well, Avhat 
was it ? " The text was these words in Daniel, " Mene, mene, 
tel^el, upharsiu." The interpretation of one word — tekel — is, 
" Thou art weighed in the balance, and art found wanting." 
Tony said, " A tea-kettle was weighed, and it wasn't heavy 
enough." 

Cuflf, his other slave, was a very bad fellow, — malicious and 
crafty. He used to drive Mr. T's. team, carting plank and 
lumber to Weymouth Landing. He was frequently taken up 
and fined for criminal acts. On one occasion he was sen- 
tenced to be whipped with a certain number of stripes, at the 
Whipping Post. After the clerk of the town had put them on, 
Mr. Torrey, who stood by, requested him to add three more 
for him, for he was an ugly fellow. The clerk refused, say- 



MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS OF EVENTS AND PERSONS. 255 

iug he had done his duty according to the sentence of the 
justice. Mr. T. took the lash and added three severe strokes 
more. Cuff, after being released, walked away muttering, and 
saying, " Massa shall lose three of nis oxen for these three 
strokes ; " and so he did. One ox was overheated by him in 
going to Weymouth, driven into the river and foundered, and 
died in consequence. He broke the leg of another, by throw- 
ing a stone at him. A third was killed in the woods, by 
" some accident done on purpose." 

He was so obstinate and unmanageable that Mr. Torrey put 
an iron collar around his neck, with a hook riveted to it, hang- 
ing down ia front. When the collar around his neck was 
riveted together, Cuff shed tears, which he was never known 
to do before. When inquired of, out of town, about the col- 
lar, he said it was put on by his master to prevent his havin*' 
the throat ail, which was very common in Abington. The 
hook, he would conceal under his waistcoat. 

On one occasion — not to mention any more — he was taken 
up for breaking the Sabbath, tried before Justice Joseph 
Greeuleaf (who will be noticed in another place), and fined. 
After he had paid the fine, he asked for a receipt of the justice. 
The justice asked him for what purpose he wanted a receipt? 
CuiF answered, " By-and-by you die, and go to the bad place, 
and after a time Cuff die, and go and knock at the good gate, 
and they say, 'What do you want. Cuff?' I say, 'I want to 
come in ; ' they say I can't, because I broke the Sabbath at 
such a time. I say, ' I paid for it.' They will say, ' Where 
is your receipt?' Now, Mr. Judge, I shall have to go away 
down to the bad place to get a receipt of you, that I mended 
him, before I can enter the good gate." 

I received most of these traditionary statements about the 
slaves, from Mr. Bela Dyer, to whom they were communicated 
by his grandmother, the aged widow Dyer (named in the 
first part of the last chapter), who gave the account of the first 
settlers in South Abington. The account of Cuff's trial 
before Justice Greenleaf, I had from my brother, Nathaniel 



25G MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS OF EVENTS AND PERSONS. 

Ilobart, who was cotemparary with those times, and who died 
many years since, in the eightieth year of his age. 

The remarkable longevity of the slaves held in this town, 
has been noticed. It has been supposed that slaves could not 
live in the northern states. The long lives of these, seem to 
disprove this. It has, however, been explained that the pure 
African race can sustain our climate, but that those of mixed 
blood — the mulattoes — cannot continue as a race over three 
generations, and can never become a permanent race even at 
the South. This is reported to have been said by Senator 
Toombs, in Congress. Also, a gentleman formerly from this 
town, Capt. Zophar D. Ramsdell, who has served through the 
whole of the late war against rebellion, now a resident of the 
South, states a conversation which he heard on the subject, in 
a steamboat, betwixt two Southern physicians, one belonging 
to Kentucky, the other fiu'tlier South. One remarked, that in 
all his practice, he never knew but one who lived five years 
beyond the third generation. The other said he knew of one 
beyond the third generation Avho lived twenty years. 

If this is so, it is an important fact ; and some cases have 
occurred in this town, within my knowledge, which seem to 
corroborate it. I will mention one. There was a colored 
man (mixed) in my neighborhood, by the name of Thompson, 
whom I knew well over sixty-five years ago. He was called 
Siah (Josiah). He had a wife and family of children — six 
sons and one daughter. The family, with the parents, con- 
sisted of nine. He was a blacksmith, had a house and shop, 
and did considerable business in his line. He was quite intel- 
ligent for one of his color. He lived about one mile south of 
the Congregational meeting-house in South Abington, on the 
road leading to East Bridgewater. The names of his children 
were Rufus, Josiah, Mount Sinai, Micah, Ira, Ziba, and 
Mary. 

The origin of the family is thus : It seems that in the early 
part of the eighteenth century, a carriage (hack), with a span 
of horses and driver, passed through this town in the early 
part of the evening, and went to the house of a man named 



MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS OF EVENTS AND PERSONS. 257 

Eobiusoa in the northerly part of East Bridgewater — now 
Northville — and left a lady in disguise. (This Robinson was 
a carpenter, and built the house in which I now live.) In a 
few mouths, the same driver and carriage came again in the 
evening, and took her away. It is supposed she was from 
Boston. The result was there was a colored boy named 
Josiah found in the family, who was put out and grew up in 
another family, and finally was married and had two childreu 
only, a son and a daughter. This son was the Josiah, or Siah 
Thompson named above, father of the seven children. (IIow 
the name — Tliompsou — came, is not known.) These, the first 
Josiah, wife and two childrea, and the second Josiah, wife and 
seven children, make up the number thirteen in all. I cannot 
learn that anyone of these thirteen is now living. They began 
to become a feeble race after I knew them, and all of them 
have long since passed away. The first Josiah (it is believed) 
never became a great-grandfather. 

I will here introduce a remark of the late Dr. Ezekiel 
Thaxter, reported to me by Isaiah Noyes, Esq. Dr. T. had 
visited Island Grove on the occasion of a large picnic, com- 
posed principally of people of mixed blood. On returning 
home he remarked that he felt very sad, because the large 
number of good-looking and active young men and women, 
and others of more mature age, were all destined to short 
lives ; and in a few years would be all swept away. From 
this it would appear that Dr. T. must have had an idea that 
persons of mixed blood are short-lived, and cannot form a 
permanent race. 

Whilst reflecting upon the subject of the longevity of the 
African slaves, it occurred to me that I never saw or heard 
of a very old person of mixed color ; and, on inquiry, I find 
others to say the same. Also aged persons North and South, 
of whom I have made inquiries, all agree that the lives of the 
mixed race are limited, and that their posterity only continue 
for a few generations. 

If this idea in respect to the mixed race should prove to be 
weil founded, it is a strong admonition against the unioa 
22* 



258 MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS OF EVENTS AND PERSONS. 

between the black or colored people and the whites — the 
union between the Saxon and African blood. It is of much 
importance that this subject should be well undei'stood, 
especially at the present time, when the abolition of slavery 
throughout the United States makes such a change in the 
condition of so many of the colored people. This change 
increases the likelihood of these unions, which, if the above 
suggestions are true, would prove very disastrous. 

There is another idea which ought to receive here at least a 
passing notice. It is this : — that the emancipation of the 
slaves adds some millions, male and female, to our free 
laboring population. This will greatly interfere with a mon- 
opoly of labor by any class of people among us, and will open 
a much wider field of competition both to the employers and 
the employed in our country. 

FIRES. 

But few losses by fire have ever been sustained in this town 
in comparison Avith some other towns. No fire department or 
engiue company has ever been organized here ; and there has 
never been a fire engine located in town. A number of houses, 
barns, and out-buildings have been burnt. The fires — 
especially those which have destroyed barns — have, for the 
most part, been caused by lightning. The first heavy loss by 
fire which I recollect — and which occurred over seventy years 
ago — was the dwelling-house of Daniel Reed, the grandfjxther 
of Ezekiel Reed, now living on the same site near the Centre 
Depot. It took place on Saturday evening. I saw the light 
of it ; and on Sunday morning rode past the scene of the fire 
on my way to church. Mr. Niles noticed it in his discourse : 
" Riches take to themselves wings and fly away." It w-as a 
two story house, and well furnished ; considerable specie (silver 
dollars) was found in the ruins. Ten or fifteen other dwelling- 
houses in difierent parts of the town have been destroyed by 
fire. By far the most serious loss by fire, in this town, was 
that occasioned by the entire destruction of the Tack Factory, 
of the firm of B. Hobart & Sou. It was estimated at $G0,000, 



MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS OF EVENTS AND PERSONS. 259 

including the boarding-house, out-buildings and stock. In- 
surance, about $18,000; tacks saved, tack-machines not 
destroyed, engine and boilers, and some stock, amounted to 
about one-half of the loss. Tlie loss fell almost wholly upon 
William H. Dunbar, Esq., who had just purchased the estab- 
lishment. 

TORNADOES. 

Tliere have been other losses in town, more heavy than 
these, occasioned by two severe tornadoes or hurricanes. The 
first occurred October 9, 180i, and was very destructive. 
The wind was north-east ; and it commenced blowing very 
hard in the afternoon. Tiie height of the gale was in the fore- 
part of the night ; and being in the night, made it much more 
terrific. It began to abate after midnight ; but few went to 
bed that night. The tornado was very disastrous to the old 
heavy forests, to the pine and oak timber lots — especially to 
those which were most valuable for ship-building. This loss 
never has been, and cannot be made up. Ship-building de- 
clined after this calamity, and after another tornado, about ten 
years later, entirely ceased to be carried on — scarcely anything 
having been done in this business for over fifty years. Pre- 
viously it had been extensively carried on, in this neighborhood, 
and had been very profitable to this town. Many mouldering 
remains of these once stately forests are sfill to be seen de- 
caying before they could be made use of. The gale was very 
destructive to fruit and ornamental trees ; it unroofed houses 
and barns, prostrated fences, chimney-tops, and everything in 
its way. The shipping interest suffered most severely. In 
harbors, bays and inlets the moorings of vessels and boats 
gave way, and they were dashed against each other, and 
brought up on a lee shore, complete wrecks. Some lives were 
lost in these disasters. The storm extended not only a long 
distance on the Atlantic coast, but also far into the interior. 

The other tornado which occurred on the 23d of September, 
1815, about ten years later than the first, was far more severe, 
although it was not so destructive to forests, and to forest and 



260 MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS OP EVENTS AND PERSONS. 

fruit-trees, from the fact that comparatively few of these 
remained to be destroyed. I was a witness of this hurricane, 
(for so it was called,) and as at the time of its occurrence I 
was of mature age, I can describe it more particularly. 

The weather, in the morning, Avas fair and pleasant, but 
there was an ominous stillness of the atmosphere, like that 
which is said to be observed before an earthquake. A sailor 
who had Avitnessed hurricanes in the West Indies, on the 
morning of Avhich I am speaking, Avas frequently obserA'ed to 
start. When asked Avhy he did so, he said there AA'ould be a 
hurricane here within tAventy-four hours, " for there was a 
cracking in the atmosphere and a looming up of the same," * 
such as he had Avitncsaed there before a tornado. It proved 
so. A haze soon began to appear in the atmosphere, and the 
wind to rise ; and before one o'clock, p. m., there Avas a severe 
gale, Avhich Avent on increasing until it became a hurricane, 
SAveeping everything before it. Barns were blown doAvn ; 
boards, sliingles and hay Avere carried miles away ; houses 
were unroofed, and some Avere carried to quite a distance 
from their foundations ; | apple-trees and other fruit-trees, by 
thousands, Avere prostrated ; J whole orchards were SAvept doAvn, 
fences blown over, AvindoAvs bloAvn in ; even stone walls Avere 
blown doAvn ; many chimney-tops Avere overthroAvn. In this 

* Meaning, as I suppose, an apparent elevation of objects into the 
air — a sort of mirage. 

t Within two miles of Avhere I was, over twenty barns and houses 
were unroofed, several barns blown completely down, roofs were 
taken off entirely Avhole, carried to a distance of tAventy or thirty 
rods, and broken entirely to pieces. Many roads that were much, 
travelled, were blocked up for days by tiiUen trees and fences, and 
roads through dense forests Avcre impeded for weeks. 

X The destruction of the forests, especially in the tirst gale, Avas so 
great, that new prospects were opened. From particular points of 
observation, houses and landscapes came into view that could not be 
seen from those points perhaps for centuries before. My father went 
out after the first gale, and was surprised at the change of the appear- 
ance of things around, Avithin view of his house. The change was so 
great, that from what he saw he could hardly have told where he was. 



MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS OF EVENTS AND PERSONS. 2G1 

gale, the wind being in a clireclion opposite to what it Avas in 
the first, thousands of acres of forest-trees, ■which were very 
valuable, were prostrated. The tide rose unprecedentedly high ; 
thousands of ships, and vessels of various sizes, were lost ; 
streets, cellars and roads were overflowed by the tide. The 
amount of property destroyed in the New England States, was 
immense. 

When this tornado commenced, I stepped into the yard, 
and immediately fell flat upon the ground, as otherwise I 
should have been driven along without power to control my 
movements. On the roof of our house opposite the gate, the 
shingles were torn up, and thrown off in lines from the eaves 
to the top of the house. 

Several remarkable phenomena were observed in connection 
with this tornado. The surface of the water in the sea, bays, 
harbors, lakes and ponds, was made smooth by the velocity 
of the gale ; no waves or unevennesses were seen upon them. 
On the sides of the houses, and every other thing facing the 
wind, there was a thin layer of salt — especially on windows. 
This was owing, doubtless, to the finely comminuted particles 
of water brought even to this distance inland by the force of 
the wind. When the gale moderated, some rain fell ; there 
was scarcely any rain during the tornado ; the rills and small 
streams became quite brackish. I actually scraped salt from 
the window-glass. The gale was so powerful, that fires could 
not exist ; for immediately, if kindled, they Avould be blown 
out. 

The inhabitants, never having experienced such a gale, did 
not know what measures to take to protect their buildings, 
especially the roofs. They closed up all the windows and 
doors of their houses. This it was well to do, on the sides 
towards the wind ; but on the opposite sides the windows and 
doors should have been opened, and the scuttles in the roofs 
should have been imcovered. It was the spring of the com- 
pressed air when there was a lull in the gale, and the pressure 
was removed from the outside, that threw oflf the roofs, break- 



262 MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS OF EVENTS AND PERSONS. 

insr the frames and timbers. The roofs vibrated in and out 
even when not torn off. Of this phenomenon I was witness. 

There was an expression of awe and reverence on the coun- 
tenance of every one during the gale. Men spoke in whispers 
when there was a hill, and held their breath when the wind 
again raged, fearing that a general wreck of houses and lives 
might be the result. Many lives were lost in this tornado. 

The first notice of the abatement of the tornado was like an 
electric shock ; all started up, hope revived, and a great relief 
was experienced.* 

LAWYERS. 

There have been five persons, natives of this town, who 
have been admitted to practice as counsellors and attorneys in 
this State: — Benjamin Ilobart in 1808, Aaron Hobart in 
1809, Jared Whitman in 1809, and John King and Enoch 
Brown. John King settled in Randolph, Mass., and Enoch 
Brown in Maine ; both these, and also Aaron Hobart, have 
deceased. Three attorneys also have settled here from out of 
town : — Daniel U. Johnson, who remained here only a few 
years ; Jesse E. Keith and Jacob B. Harris, now in regular 
practice — Mr. Keith at the Centre, and Mr. Harris at East 
Abington. 



* A lady near my house (a Mrs. Dyer) was saved from instant 
death by the thoughtfulness of a young man, a relative, Mr. Bela 
Dyer, now living. She became much frightened at the gale, left her 
house, and went out and stood behind a large apple-tree. He, seeing 
her there, warned her of her danger, for the tree was more likely to 
be blown over than the house. She left her position, but had gone 
only a few rods before the tree blew over, and would doubtless have 
killed her instantly if she had not left her position that moment. 



CHAPTER XXXn. 

Miscellaneous Items of Events and Persons. — Epidemics. — Lon- 
gevity. — Old French War. — Revolutionary War. — Graduates of 
Colleges. — Banks. — Insurance Office. 

EPIDEMICS. 

The situation of the town mt\y be considered favorable to 
health and longevity. Epidemical diseases have, in one or 
two cases, made their appearance. In 1751-2, a disease 
called the throat distemper prevailed ; and in the course of 
about a year carried off sixty persons, mostly children. lu 
the fall of 1805, a malignant f i/phus fever made its appearance, 
which, in a crowded city, might have been taken for the 
yellow fever. It spread through the town, causing many 
deatlis. In some cases nearly whole families were swept 
away. Many of the most healthy, robust, and active citizens, 
fell a prey to this disease. Nearly one-half who were at- 
tacked by it, died. At the time, the number of deaths was 
computed to be from fifty to sixty. The disease continued 
only for about two months. The population of the town at 
the first period above mentioned was about one-tenth part, and 
at the second one-fifth part of what it now is. 

LONGEVITY. 

The following is believed to be a pretty correct list of 
persons over the advanced age of eighty-five, who have died ia 
this town, from the year 17G1 to the present time (1865), — a 
little over a century : — 

1761. Mary, widow of Matthew Pratt, . . .96 
177^. Priscilla, widow of John Pettingell, . . .87 
1774. Hannah, widow of George Vining, . . . 100 
178i^. Wife of Benjamin Bates, October 23, . . 86 
(263) 



264 



MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS, ETC. 



1789. Benjamin Bates, November 21, 

1790. Thomas Mansfield, . 
1792. Sarah, widow of Captain Daniel Reed 
1795. Eleazer Whiteon, 

1795. Widow Gannett, 

1796. William Sprague, 

1797. Widow Experience Mansfield, 

1797. Widow of Thomas Wilks, 

1798. Joseph Shaw, . 

1798. Widow Vinson, 

1799. Elisha Viuing, . 
1801. Antony Dwight, (Tony,) colored, supposed 

1801. Widow Meriam Hearsey, . 

1802. Widow Deborah House, . 
1805. Widow Morse, . 

1805. Jedediah Beal, . 

1806. Peleg Stetson, . 

1807. Joseph Damon, 
1807. Stephen Dunbar, 

1807. Deacon Eleazer Whitman, 

1808. Abigail, widow of James Reed, 

1808. Ruth, widow of Nicholas Shaw, 

1809. Benjamin Farrow, . 

1810. Joanna Pettingell, . 

1810. Mary, widow of Samuel Reed, 

1811. Widow Lydia Chesman, . 

1811. Widow Silence Jackson, . 

1812. Bilhah, (a colored woman,) 

1812. Widow Lydia Richards, . 

1813. Widow Gannett, 

1813. Thomas Remington, . 

1814. Jacob Noyes, . 
1814. Samuel Nash, . 
1814. Widow Jane Porter, 
1814. Widow Abigail Whitman, 

1816. Daniel Lane, . 

1817. John Fullerton, 



MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS, ETC. 



265 



1818. Widow Lucy Reed, . 

1818. Kate, (colored,) 

1820. Caleb Chard, . 

1821. Widow Mary Ramsdell, 
1821. Benjamin Gardner, . 

1821. Noah Giirney, . 

1822. Leah Farrow, . 
1822. Joshua Pool, . 
1822. Rutli, widow of Adams Bailey, 
1822. Elizabeth, Avidow of Nathaniel Bicknell, 
1824. Mary, widow of Benjamin FaiTOW, 
1824. Jane, widow of Joseph Bicknell, 
1826. Ruth, widow of Noah Gurney, . 
1828. Deborah, widow of John Porter, 

1828. James Dyer, 

1829. Joseph Shaw, . 

1829. Rachel Bates, . 

1830. David Torrey, . 

1831. Mary, widow of Joseph Shaw, 

1832. Thomas Tirrill, 

1832. David Jenkins, 

1833. Sarah, widow of John Pool, 

1834. Jacob Pool, 

1834. Abigail, widow of Jacob Dyer, 

1834. WidoAv Jane Perry, . 

1834. John Puffer, . 

1835. Benjamin Vining, 

1835. Susanna Erskine, 

1836. Widow Mary Porter, 

1837. Nathan Dawes, 
1837. Meriam Ilearsey, 

1839. Widow Dolly Bates, . 

1840. Widow Silence Puffer, 
1840. Widow of Rev. Samuel Niles, 

1840. Deacon Ephraim Stetson, . 

1841. Anna Dunbar, . . . 

1842. Luther Lazell, . 



266 



MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS, ETC. 



1842. Widow IlulJah Penniman, 

1843. AYidow of Thomas Reed, 
1845. Dr. Gritlley Tliaxter, 

1845. Widow of Jacob Harden, 

1846. Widow of Robert Erskine 
184G. Widow of James Pool, 
1848. Widow of John Guruey, 

1848. Deborah Ilearsey, . 

1849. Widow of Benjamin Bates 
1849. Benjamin Norton, . 
1S51. Widow of Asa Fullerton, 
1851. Widow of Lieut. Bela Dyer, 
1851. Joseph P. Gurney, . 

1853. Christopher Dyer, . 

1854. Elizabeth AYilks, 
1854. James Reed, 

1856. Gibbens Sharp, 

1857. Asa Pool, 

1857. Gbadiah Reed's widow, 

1858. Widow Perry, . 

1859. AV idow of Paul Reed, 

1859. Judith Thaxter, widow of William Little, 
18G0. Widow of John Bennett, 

1860. Ebenezer Porter, . 

1861. Widow of Jacob Reed, 
1861. AVidow of Samuel Gurney 
1861. Widow of John Bates, 

1863. Widow Rebecca Wade, 

1864. Abigail White, 
1864. Samuel Porter, 

The wliole number for 104 years, is 107, av 
fraction over one a year. Besides these persons w 
the age of 85 or more years, I find a record of sixteen whose 
names are not given, who reached the age of 84. 



eragmg a 
ho attained 



MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS, ETC. 267 



OLD FRENCH WAR. 

This Avar Avas waged between England and France, con- 
tinued seven years, and was terminated in 1763. Massa- 
chusetts contributed kirgely to carry on this war for the 
defence of the Colonies, and the conquest of the dominions 
of France on this continent and in the West Indies. She had, 
in 1758, six thousand nine hundred and twenty-five men in 
the field actually engaged in this war, and about the same 
number through the whole period of its continuance — besides 
a large number of artificers and seamen. This force was 
about one-third of the whole effective force of the province. 
The State expended in this Avar over four millions of dollars, 
and received, by Avay of reimbursement from the mother 
country, about three millions. 

The Provinces Avere stimulated in their great exertions by 
opposition to the French ; on the ocean they Avere our rivals 
in the fisheries on tlie coasts and the Grand Banks, whilst 
our settlements from Nova Scotia, around to the Lakes, Avere 
subject to alarms through their iufluence, by Avhich the Indians 
Avere excited to Avar, murder, and continual depredations. 
There Avere too deep-rooted prejudices against them on ac- 
count of their religion. 

Abiugtou contributed largely of her strength to carry on 
this Avar. The fullowing persons Avere in the service, and died 
therein, or on their Avay home : Abraham and Humphries, 
sons of Capt. John Burrill ; Joseph Clark ; Peleg Cain ; David 
(colored), son of Anthony D wight ; Noah, son of Jacob Ford ; 
James, grandfather of the late Col. D. Gloyd ; Jacob, son 
of Capt. Elijah Ilearsey, drowned near Cape Sable Harbor ; 
Nathaniel Joy ; Noah, son of Gideon Parkman ; Asa, son of 
Deacon Samuel Pool, died at Halifax 1762 ; Ichabod, son of 
Capt. Ebenezer Reed ; Ezekiel, son of John Reed ; Samuel, 
son of William Sprague ; Job, son of Samuel Tirrill, killed 
by the Indians Avhile crossing Lake Ontario in a batteau ; 



268 MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS, ETC. 

Jonathan Torrey, jr. ; Robert Townsend, jr. died of a wound 
received in the Crown Point Expedition ; Jacob "White.* 

The following persons survived the service : Christopher 
Askins, jr. ; George Askins ; Jeremiah Campbell, at St. 
Johns, N. S., 1759; Caleb Chard; Jonathan Chubbuck, at 
Newfoundland, 17G2 ; Greenwood Gushing, at Halifax and 
Newfoundland ; Elisha Hersey, captain of a company in 
the Western Expeditions ; Edmund Jackson, jr. ; Abraham 
Josselyn ; Peter Nash ; Samuel Noyes ; Jacob Pool, at the 
taking of Fort Frontinac, under Col. Bradstreet, 1758, and at 
St. Johns, N. S. ; Samuel Pool ; Joseph Richards ; Isaac 
Stetson, under Gen. Wolf at the taking of Quebec ; Jacob 
Tirrell, at Halifax, 1759 ; Prince Stetson ; Ezekiel Townsend; 
Robert Townsend, ensign of Capt. Benjamin Pratt's company, 
at the westward ; Jeremiah White. 

This list is very incomplete, as will appear by the following 
extracted from the Journal of the House of Representatives : 

Dec. 28, 1763. There Avas presented a petition of Elisha 
Hersey and sixty others, all of Ahington, who had been in his 
majesty's service in the late wars, praying for a gi'ant of land 



* There are, among Mr. Dodge's manuscript sermons, several having 
special reference to this war. One, preached 23d March, 1755, is en- 
titled — "Sermon on account of thirteen of tlie congregations going into 
his majesty's service." In the conclusion of an aii^jroiariate address to 
the soldiers, he says, " We, your relatives, friends and acquaintances, 
by the grace of God, will send up our prayers to the throne of grace, 
that the God of power and goodness would encourage your hearts, 
cover your heads, strengthen your arms, and above all pardon your 
sins, and save your souls in the day of battle. " July 3, 1755 (Fast 
Day), he preached •' a sermon occasioned by an expedition against 
divers of the French fortifications on His Majesty's territories in 
North America." Oct. 5, 1759, a " Thanksgiving sermon, occasioned 
by the reduction of Quebec, the capital of Canada, and the neighbor- 
ing villages and country." " Laus Deo," 7th Oct. 1762. A " Thanks- 
giving sermon upon the reduction of Martineco, and more espescially 
the surrender of the Havanna to his Brittianick Majesty's arms, 
together with the adjacent villages tipon the island of Cuba." 



MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS, ETC. 269 

for a township, eastward of the Penobscot River, in consider- 
ation of their services rendered. 

REVOLUTIONARY WAR. 

It will not be necessary to go into an extended account of 
this war. The history is written and well known ; portions 
of it appear in thousands of publications ; it is read in all our 
families, colleges, academies and schools. A few items only 
Avill be named that relate to this town, some of the doings of 
which have been noticed before. 

The officers from Abington in the continental service were, 
Jacob Poole, Captain ; Luke Bicknell, Captain ; John Ford, 
Lieutenant ; David Jones, jr., Surgeon. 

Among those who died in the service are the follow- 
ing : George Bennett ; Nathl. Bicknell, jr; ; James Clark ; 
Gershom, son of Benjamin Farrow ; Samuel Green ; David, 
son of Benj. Gardner ; Thomas Hunt, jr. ; Solomon, son of 
Samuel Na&h ; David, son of Peter Nash ; Jacob Noyes, jr. ; 
Moses, son of Deacon John Noyes ; Prince Palmer ; Abner 
Porter, jr. ; Nathaniel, son of Whitcomb Pratt ; Abel, son 
of James Reed ; Cuff Rozarer (colored) ; Jesse Stoddard ; 
Thomas White ; Jonathan, son of Thomas Whitmarsh. 

Almost every man in town capable of bearing arms was in 
the service for a longer or shorter period. The part taken by 
the inhabitants of this town in this contest was spirited and 
patriotic. They expended largely to encourage enlistments, 
and for the support of the war. To show the spirit and zeal 
of the town, I will quote some votes or resolves passed by the 
town at a meeting appointed for that purpose March 10, 1770. 
The names of the Committee who reported the Resolves, are 
Daniel Noyes, Samnel Pool, Aaron Ilobart, David Jones, jr., 
Joseph Greenleaf and Thomas Wilkes. They were published 
in the Boston Gazette, by which they were pronounced " Noble 
Resolves." They were drawn up by Joseph Greenleaf, Esq. 

1st. Voted, As the opinion of this town that all nations of 
men that dwell upon the face of the whole earth, and each 
individual of them naturally are free, and while in a state 



270 MISCELLAKEOUS ITEMS, ETC. 

of nature have a right to do themselves justice, when their 
natural rights are invaded. 

2d. Voted, That mankind while in their natural state always 
had and now have a right to enter into compacts and form 
societies, and erect such kind of government as the majority 
of them shall judge most for the public good. 

3d. Voted, That Great Britain had an undoubted right to 
erect a monarchical government or any other mode of govern- 
iiient, had they thought proper, appoint a King and subject 
him to laws of their own ordaining ; and always had and now 
have, upon just occasions, a right to alter the Royal succession. 

4th, Voted, That the right of Sovereignty over the inhab- 
itants of this Province, claimed by any former British King, 
or by his present majesty by succession, was derived to him 
by the recognition of the forefathers of this country of his 
then majesty as their sovereign, upon the plan of the British 
Constitution, who accordingly plighted his royal faith, that 
himself, his heirs and successors had, and would grant, es- 
tablish and ordain, that all and every of his subjects, who 
shovdd go to and inhabit this province, and every of their 
children, who should happen to be born here or on the sea 
in going hither or in returning from thence, should have and 
enjoy all liberties and immunities of free and natural subjects 
within any of their dominions, to all intents, construction, and 
purposes whatsoever, as if they and every of them were boru 
in the realm of England. 

5th. Voted, That the late acts of the Parliament of Great 
Britain imposing duties on American subjects for the sole 
purposes of raising a revenue, are an infringement of our 
national and constitutional liberty, and contrary to the spirit 
and letter of the above mentioned royal grant, ordination 
and establishment, of having and enjoying all the liberties 
and immunities of free and natural born subjects. 

6th. Voted, That no acts passed in either the parliaments 
of France, Spain or England, for the aforesaid purpose of 
raising a revenue, are binding on us, and that the obedience 
due from us to his present majesty is no other in kind or 



MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS, ETC. 271 

de.a;ree, than sucli as he has a constitutional right to from our 
fellow subjects in Great Britain. 

7th, Voted, That therefore the above mentioned acts are in 
themselves a mere nullity, and that he who, vi et minis, seizes 
the property of an American subject for not paying the duties 
imposed upon him by said acts, ought to be deemed no better 
than a highwayman, and should be proceeded against in due 
course of law. 

8th. Voted, That the sending of troops (may they not more 
properly be called murderers) to Boston by Lord Hillsborough, 
at the request of Gov. Bernard, to aid and protect the Com- 
missioners of the Customs in levying the taxes imposed on 
us by the said acts, amounts to an open declaration of war 
against the liberties of America, and an unjust invasion of 
them ; and as Ave are refused any legal redress of grievances, 
we are in this instance reduced to a state of nature, Avhereby 
our natural right of opposing force is again devolved upon us. 

9th. Voted, That the agreement of the merchants and 
traders of Boston, relative to the non-importation, has a 
natural and righteous tendency to frustrate the schemes of 
the enemies of the Constitution, and to render ineflfectual 
the said unconstitutional and unrighteous acts ; and is a 
superlative instance of self denial and public virtue, which 
we hope will be handed down to posterity, even to the latest 
generation, to their immortal honor. 

10th, Voted, That those persons Avho have always persisted 
in the scheme of importation, and those also who have acceded 
to the agreement of non-importation, and have violated their 
promises, and, as it were, stolen their own goods and sold them 
to purchase chains and fetters ; ought to be by us held in the 
utmost contempt, and that we Avill have no sort of commercial 
connection with them, or any that deal with them ; and their 
names shall stand recorded in the town books, and be posted 
up in all public places in town, as enemies of their country^. 

11th. Voted, That we are in duty bound not to use or 
consume any articles from Great Britain, subject to duties on 
the foregoing plan ; and that we will not knowingly purchase 



272 MISCELLAXEOUS ITEMS, ETC. 

of any person whatever, any such articles until said acts are 
repealed ; neither will we use or suffer willingly to be used in 
our families any bohea tea, cases of sickness only excepted. 

12th. Voted, That a respectful letter of thanks be addressed 
to the merchants and traders of the town of Boston, for the 
noble and disinterested and very expensive opposition made 
by them to the later attempts to enslave America ; and 
whereas it appears probable to us that the goods of the 
infamous importers, both in this and the neighboring gov- 
ernments, are vended among us by pedlers, therefore, 

13th. Voted, That we will not purchase anything of them, 
or suffer any person under us to trade Avith them, but that we 
will, as much as in us lies, discourage them and endeavor to 
have the law executed against them, and all such innholders 
as entertain them, contrary to law. 

14th. Voted, That a committee be chosen to inquire, who 
among us act contrary to the foregoing votes, and return their 
names to the town clerk, to be entered in the town books, 
and published in Messrs. Eder's & Gill's paper, as persons 
confederating with the importers to the ruin of their country : 
and whereas the ears of our earthly sovereign, by the in- 
tervention of his wicked ministers, are rendered deaf to the 
cries of his oppressed American subjects, and as we apprehend 
we have a righteous cause, and as we are assured the ears 
of the King of kings are always opened to the cries of the 
oppressed, therefore, 

15th. Voted, That we Avill unitedly petition the throne of 
grace for protection against encroaching power whereby our 
civil liberties ai-e so violently attacked, and our religious 
liberties endangered ; and that Thursday the 3d day of May 
next, be set apart by this town for said purpose ; and the 
Selectmen be a Committee to wait upon our Rev. Pastor, 
desiring him to lead in the exercises of the day, and that by 
an advertisement, they invite the neighboring towns to join 
with us in similar exercises, on said day. 

16th. Voted, That the foregoing votes be recorded, and a 
copy thereof be forthwith transmitted to the committee of 



MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS, ETC. 



273 



inspection in Boston, together with our letter of thanks to 
the merchants and traders there. 



GRADUATES. 



The following is a list of such natives of the town as have 
received a Collegiate education, with the time and place of 
their (graduation : — 



John Porter, 1736 . . * H. U. 

Edward Bates, 1738 . . . H. U. 

Sol om 0)1 Heed, 1739 . . . H. U. 

Josiah Brown, 17G1 . . . H. U. 

Adams Porter, 1761 . . . H. U. 
£Uai> Jones. 1707 Princeton Col. 
Jt'Stse Jiccd, 17 GO " " 

Samuel Xash, 1170 . . * B. LL 

WiUiaru Reed. 1782 . . . H. U. 

Kalhanicl liobart, 1784 . . II. U. 

Jesse Remington, 1784 . . H. U. 

Jacob Norton, 1786. . . . H. U. 

Jarius Kemington, 1794 . B. U. 

James Gurney, 1795 . . . B. U. 

Abel Richmond. 1797 . . B. U. 

Enoch Brown, 1801 . . . B. U. 



Moses Noyes, 1801 . 
William Norton, 1802 
John King, 1802 . , 
Jacob Porter, 1803 . 
Benjamin Hobart, 1804 
John Shaw, 1805 . . 
Jarcd Whitman, 1805 
Aaron Hobart, 1805 . 
James Richards, 1809 
Ezekiel Thaxter, 1812 
Daniel Noyes, 1812 . 
Asahcl Cobb, 



, B. U. 

, B. U. 

. H. U. 

. Yale. 

, B. U. 

. B. U. 

, B. U. 

. B. U. 
Williams. 

. H. U. 

. Yale. 
Hamilton. 



Ebenezor P. Dyer, 1833 . B. U. 
T. H. Perry, 1835 Waterville, Me. 
Benj. Wormelle, 1860 Amherst 
Bradford M. EuUerton, 1861 " 



BANKS. 

The Abington Bank was incorporated and commenced 
business October 1, 1850, with an authorized capital of one 
hundred thousand dollars. The first Board of Directors were, 
Asaph Dunbar, President ; Jenkins Lane, Harvey Torrey, 
Joshua Whitmarsh, Goddard Reed, Joseph Cleverly, Samuel 
Blake, jr., Baxter Cobb, all of Abington ; and Cushing 
Mitchell, of East Bridgewater. 

Judson N. Farrar of Boston, Cashier. 

Par value of shares, one hundred dollars each. By 
authority of tlie Legislature, the capital of the Bank was 
increased in the sum of fifty thousand dollars in July, 1853. 

Mr. Dunbar served as President of the Bank until Oct. 
1859, nine years. He declined a re-election, and Baxter Cobb, 
Esq., succeeded him in that office. 



* H. U. is for Harvard, and B. U. for Brown University. Ministers 
in Italics. 



274 MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS, ETC. 

The Bauk has made the following semi-aaaual dividends : 
two of three per cent., five of three and one-half per cent., 
eighteen of four per cent., one of four and one-half per cent., 
and one of five per cent. 

The Abingtou Savings Bauk was incorporated in 1853, 
and commenced business July 1st of that year. 

Doctor Ezekiel Thaxter was the first President of the In- 
stitution, and Judsou N. Farrar was appointed Treasurer. 

The deposits for the first year amounted to about twenty 
thousand dollars, and for the eleventh year to about ninety 
thousand dollars. 

Regular semi-annual dividends have been made of two and 
a half per cent, for the whole term of yeai'S, and two extra 
dividends, averaging for the first five years seven per cent., 
and for the second term of five years, six and one-fourth per 
cent. 

Jenkins Lane, Esq., the present President, Avas chosen in 
1855. 

INSURANCE OFFICE. 

The Abington Mutual Fire Insurance Company Avas in- 
corporated by a Special Act of the Legislature, May 30, 
1856. 

The first meeting called was held on April 17th, 1857, the 
Act of Incorporation accepted, and the following gentlemen 
chosen Directors, viz. : Asaph Dunbar, Thomas J. Hunt, 
William Brown, Zophar D. Rumsdell, Baxter Cobb, Jen- 
kins Lane, Washington Reed, Joseph Cleverly, William P. 
Corthell. 

At an adjourned meeting April 24, 1856, four additional 
Directors were chosen : George W. Bryant, of North Bridge- 
water, Philip D. Kingman, of Bridgewater, Isaac Wilder, of 
Hanover, and Martin Bryant, of Pembroke. At the same 
meeting Baxter Cobb was elected President, John N. Noyes, 
Seci-etary, and Joshua L. Nash, Treasurer. 

The first policies issued by the company, were from June 
15, 1856, ou 148 risks, amounting to $102,935. Premiums 
on the same, $1,223.78. The amount insured by policies 



DISTINGUISHED CHARACTERS. 275 

outstanding Aug. 22, 1864, is $403,557. Amount paid for 
losses in eight years, S4,750.G3. Present amount of cash 
funds, $3,629.04; to which add deposit notes, $10,080.50. 
Total of available funds, $14,309.14. 

The present Directors are Asaph Dunbar, Baxter Cobb, 
Wm. Brown, Joshua L. Nash, Edward W. Cobb, Judson N. 
Farrar, Joseph Vaughn, Wm. P. Corthell, Wm. Ripley, 
Albert Chamberlin and Sumner Shaw, of Abington, Philip 
D. Kingman, of Bridgewater, and Chandler Sprague, of North 
Bridgewater. Baxter Cobb, President. 

Freeman P. Rowland, 

Secretary and Treasurer. 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 

Distinguished Characters, and their Doings, viz.: — Isaac Ilobart, 
Aaron Hobart, Dr. David Jones, Dr. David Jones, jr., Wood- 
bridge Brown, Joseph Grcenlcaf, Jacob Smith, Daniel Lane, Josiali 
Torrey, Nathan Gurncj', Samuel Norton, James Bates and Micah 
Pool. — In the Military line: — Colonel Luke Bicknell, Major Luke 
Nash, Colonel Brackley Cushing, Captain Noah Ford and Major- 
General Benjamin King. — Some Remarks respecting the Author 
of this Book. 

Isaac Hobart, the first named, was my grandfather ; he is 
not, however, to be noticed on account of that relation, but on 
account of a noted work Avliich he undertook in his day 
(1745). This was making a tunnel under ground, nearly 
fifteen rods in length, with deep cuts at the entrance and at 
the outlet ; some portions of it being about twenty feet deep 
from the surface of the ground. It was walled on the sides, 
and covered over at the top with large flat stones ; the width 
at the bottom was five feet ; at the top, four ; the height was 
from five to six feet. A canal, one mile long, conveying the 
water to this tunnel, was dug ; and, by means of it, two 



276 DISTINGUISHED CHARACTERS. 

streams were united to enlarge a mill privilege. The inhabit 
tants agreed, as an inducement, to allow him to take three 
quarts of corn as toll for grinding a bushel, instead of two, as 
provided by law. This monopoly continued over thirty years, 
until ray father, Aaron Ilobart, who inherited the mills and 
privilege, relinquished it in the Revolutionary War, as stated 
before. 

This work, for that day, was a great undertaking ; and its 
accoirplishment by a farmer, with limited means, shows great 
energy and perseverance of character. This tunnnel, so for 
as I know, Avas the first dug in this country ; and it has con- 
tinued to be used to this day, with but very little repairs. 
There have been important results from the construction of this 
tunnel. Except for the union of the two streams, the present 
extensive works for making tacks, brads, shoe-nails, and many 
other useful articles, would probably never have been 
established. My honored grandfather, who emigrated to this 
town over one hundred and forty years ago, little thought, 
when he was doing this work, that he was laying the founda- 
tion of so great an establishment in the days of one of his 
grandsons, the writer of this article.* 

Another one of the same name. Col. Aaron Ilobart, my 
honored father, requires some notice, not, as I said above, 
(of my grandfather), because he was my fatJier, but because 
he was a noted man in his day, and did honor to the town. 



* Mr. Hobart was very exemplary in his -walk and conversation. 
As an illustration of this, the following incident is related: — He 
tended his grist-mill ; and, at one time, mistaking the day of the 
week, went to grinding on a Sabbath-day morning. A neighbor 
going to meeting at about ten o'clock, hearing the mill going, stepped 
in and said to him, "It is the Sabbath-day." He exclaimed, "Oh!" 
with <a long emphasis, (as was his way when anj'thing surprised him,) 
and instantly stopped the mill, leaving everything just as it was. He 
then hastily dressed himself, and went to meeting.- On the next 
morning, (Monday,) he kept himself and family from all labor, as on 
Sabbath mornings, until ten o'clock, to make up for not keeping the 
Sabbath the i^revious morning to that hour. 



DISTINGUISHED CHARACTERS. 277 

It has already been stated in a previous Chapter on IManu- 
facturcs, that he was the first, or one of the first, who cast 
meeting-liouse bolls in tliis country. About tlie year 17G1), in 
an advertisement of his in a Boston Newspaper, he offered liis 
services in casting bells at his furnace in Abington. The 
editor of the paper, in a note, remarked : — " That it was a 
very fortunate circumstance, that bells could now be cast in 
this covmtry ; and that we nead not be obliged to send to 
England for them." 

Another important manufacture of his, (noted also in the 
Chapter on Manufactures,) was the casting of cannon in this 
town. lie was the first person who cast them in this country. 
This honor has been claimed for the old town of Bridgewater, 
before its division. William Allen, Esq., who Ikis been a 
representative from the town of East Bridgewater, claimed 
this in a statement in a public newspaper; but it was satis- 
factorily answered in the same paper, that he was mistaken. 
Col. Aaron Ilobart, of Abington, was the first person who cast 
them in this country.* 

After continuing the business for a number of years very 
successfully and profitably, he sold the establishment to the 
State ; and the late Col. Hugh Orr, of Bridgewater, now East 
Bridgewater, was employed to continue the business in that 

* I have a recollection of two acc'ulents, one of a serious and tlie 
other of a somewliut ludicrous nature, whicli occurred in connection 
witli proving cannon. To test tlieir strength they were double charged. 
On one occasion, the fire could not be comnninicatcd to tlie cartridge 
of a loaded piece, and it became necessary to drill out the charge. A 
workman by the name of Gould, imprudently used an iron bar for the 
purpose. My father seeing this, directed him immediately to desist. 
Unfortunately he gave one more blow ; the powder exploded, and blew 
him into the river, dreadfully mangled. He soon died. 

On another occasion, a sow, which, with her nine pigs was rooting 
and smelling in the neighborhood of a double-charged cannon, to 
which a slow match had been applied, thrust her nose into its mouth 
just at the instant of the explosion of the ])owder. Her mangled body, 
with several of iier progeny, was blown into the river ; and the remain- 
der, in tlieir fright, leaped in after them. 
24 



278 DISTINGUISHED CHARACTERS. 

town. This probably caused Mr. Allen's mistake. His effort 
to prove that the first cannon was cast at Bridgewater, shows, 
however, that he considered such an event an honor to a 
town. 

Col. Hobart, in his day, was a very active business man. * 
He was the owner of several forges for making bar-iron and iron 
shapes, and. a blast furnace for casting hollow ware and cannon 
balls. He was also the owner of a township of land in Maine, 
(18,000 acres,) on which he settled two of his sons, (Nathaniel 
and Isaac,) and built two saw mills and a grist mill. The 
town is now called '■'■ Edmund" after the given name of his 
ancestor Edmund Hobart, who settled in Hingham in 1634. 
The town is situated in Washington County. His descendants 
are quite numerous, (see Memorial of the Hobart Family, in 
the Appendix,) among whom the mills which he built neai'ly 
one hundred years ago, are still owned. 

* The late Rev. Samuel Niles, under whose ministry Col. Hobart 
sat for nearly forty years, and to whom he was a great friend and 
benefactor, related to me the following anecdote respecting him : — 
The Colonel, by over-doing in his cannon business, and high excite- 
ment in the War of the Eevolution, in which he was very active, was 
laid up by a fever; and was, at times, wandering in his mind. One 
day, while sick, he sent for me in great haste, and said to me, — 
" Mr. Niles, the army is in distress, and is in want of beef. I want 
you to go to Commissary Devens," (who made purchases of supplies 
for the army, and who resided near Boston,) '-and tell him I will 
send him one thousand barrels of beef immediately for the use of the 
army." Seeing his state of mind, I thought it best not to expostulate 
with him. "You must go instantly," he said. The horse was got 
ready, and I was about starting, when he said to me, — " You must 
take some money to go with." I said, — " A dollar or two." "No," 
was his reply ; " here is one hundred dollars — take it," saying, — 
" When a man is journeying, and has money in his pocket, he feels 
strong." (Mr. Niles said to me lie had often thought of that.) He 
called on Mr. Devens, who sent word back by him, thanking the 
Colonel for his liberal offer, saying the arm}' was very well supplied 
at present; but that, when they were in want, he would communicate 
•with him. This was satisfactory to the Colonel. My father re- 
covered from this sickness, and lived nearly forty years afterwards in 
good health. 



DISTINGUISHED CHARACTERS. 279 

Dr. David Jones, and Dr. David Jones, jr., the two next 
worthy characters named at the heading of this chapter, have 
ah'eady been noticed quite extensively in the Fifteenth Chap- 
ter, respecting physicians practising in this town. They are 
referred to here again, to add a fact or two respecting them, 
not then known. It is now too late to add them to that chapter, 
as it is already in print. 

It is said there m respect to Dr. David Jones, " that it 
is not known where he originated, nor precisely when 
he settled here." It is now ascertained that he came to 
this town with his family from TVrentham, (in this State,) 
March 28, 1757. And, also, that one of his sons, Elias, who 
settled in South Carolina, was a graduate of Princeton College, 
N. J., 1767. As to his son, Dr. David Jones, jr., he 
studied medicine with Dr. AVarren ; was a surgeon in the 
"War of Independence from this town, and served in that 
capacity at the Battle of Bunker Hill, where his teacher. 
Dr. Warren, fell. 

"Wocdbridge Brown, Esq., a descendant of the Re\\ Samuel 
Brown, the .first minister settled in town, was a very noted 
character, and held many offices of honor and trust, as stated 
in previous chapters. He represented the town in the State 
Legislature fifteen years, from 1759 to 1776. He was a 
member of the Plymouth County Congress in 1774 ; delegate 
to the Convention at Boston in 1768 ; to the Provincial Con- 
gress at Salem in 1774; to the Second Provincial Congress 
at Cambridge in 1775, and to the Third, held at Watertown, 
July 31, 1775. He held the office of Town Clerk and Treas- 
urer twenty-one years, from 1756 to 1777 ; he was one of the 
Selectmen eleven years, from 1775 ; he left several children; 
he died 

Joseph Greenleaf resided in Abington about twenty years ; 
he lived in a house near where the late Major Joseph Hunt 
formerly lived, in the neighborhood of the present Town 
House. About the commencement of the Revolutionary "War, 
he removed to Boston. He held the office of Justice of Peace 
for many years ; was what is now called a " Trial Justice." 



280 DISTINGUISHED CHAEACTERS. 

Civil and Criminal Cases, within the jurisdiction of a justice, 
were tried before him. He was the writer of the resolves, 
called " Noble Resolves," referred to in another chapter, and 
there fully quoted. These resolves do lionor to him as an 
educated man and a patriot. He left no descendants here, so 
far as I know. His wife was sister to the late Judge R. T. 
Paine. A daughter of his married the late Rev. Wm. Weld, 
minister of Braintree. 

Jacob Smith was a noted character in bis day ; he lived in 
East Abington ; was one of the Selectmen eleven years, from 
1780 ; represented the town in the State Legislature five years 
in succession, from 1787, and took a very active part in town 
affairs. He left several children. Three of his sous — James, 
Theodore, and Zenas — were noted men in town. James was 
an active man in East Abington, and deacon of the Congrega- 
tional Church there.. Theodore lived also in that section, on 
the place which was his father's ; he Avas a patriot in politic?. 
Zenas lived in North Abington ; he was, for a number of 
years, captain of the artillery company. There were several 
daughters, also, who were quite distinguished for their personal 
appearance, manners and education. 

Daniel Lane, jr., was a very efficient man in town affairs ; 
lie lived in East Abington ; was one of the Selectmed thirteen 
years, from 1794 ; was Moderator in town meetings for many 
years, and held the commission of a Justice of the Peace. He 
left several childi'en, and his descendants are quite numerous. 
He died 

Josiah Torrey, who held the office of deacon in the Second 
Congregational Society for many years, was a very worthy 
character. He resided in the easterly part of South Abington. 
He inherited a large estate from his uncle, Josiah Torrey, 
who, as stated in another place, married the two Avidows 
of the two first ministers in town. Rev. Samuel Brown and 
Ezekiel Dodge. He had five daughters, viz. : Polly, Mehitable, 
Elizabeth, Hannah and Ruth; two of tliem only were married, 
Polly and Hannah. Polly married a ISlv. Reed, removed to 
Worcester County, and died without leaving any children. 



DISTINGUISHED CHARACTERS. 281 

Hannah married Joslnia King, and had children. (See 
Memorial of the King Family.) They are all deceased now 
except Ruth, who resides in East Bridgewater. 

One of his dangliters, Mehitable, was engaged to be married 
to the late Rev. Daniel Thomas, but was never married, owing to 
her feeble state of health. This engagement continued over thirty 
years, and during Mr. Thomas' whole pastorate of the Second 
Congregational Society in South Abington. His intended, during 
almost the whole of this long period, was confined to her 
chamber, and a very great proportion of that time to her bed. 
He resided all this time in the family of her parents. He 
early built a house for himself, near his meeting-house, and 
she made some preparation to go to housekeeping. It was a 
sad disappointment to him, but he bore it with much patience 
and equanimity. He was a most faithful swain. He died 
before his intended, January 5, 1847, aged sixty-eight. She 
died the 9th of April following, aged sixty. 

Nathan Gurney, jr., was a very useful man in all town affairs. 
In his early days he taught in the public schools for a number of 
years. He served as one of the selectmen from 1799, twenty- 
four years, — twenty-two of them in succession ; was Moderator 
in town meetings for a great number of years ; represented the 
town in the State Legislature ten years. He was one of the 
delegates from this town, Nov. 15, 1820, to revise the Con- 
stitution of the Commonwealth. Mr. Gurney removed to 
Boston before 1830, was a member of the Board of Alder- 
men, and Avas a member of the Senate for the County of 
Suffolk. He was married four times ; he left a Avidow 
aud two sons, — Nahum P. Gurney and Ephraim AVhitman 
Gurney; the latter graduated in 1852, at Cambridge, where 
he now resides. He had two daughters, Dianthc and Marilla.- 
Dianthe was married to a Mr. Shaw. Marilla was never 
married ; they are now both deceased. Mr. Gurney died 
January 11, 1851. 

Samuel Norton, Esq., was a conspicuous character in town. 
He lived on the site where Zibeon Packard now lives. His 
father, Samuel Norton, came to this town (from Hingham, 
24* 



283 DISTINGUISHED CHARACTERS. 

where he was bora, Oct. 22, 1721), about the middle of the 
last century. He was one of the Selectmen eight years, 
from 1756, and had a numerous family. His son, the one 
named above, was one of the Selectmen twelve years, from 
1798 ; Town Clerk and Treasurer seven years, from 1815 to 
1820 inclusive. He had several children ; his only son now 
bearing his name (Samuel Norton) lives in South Abington, 
near the Baptist Meeting-House. He died May 29, 182G, 
aged 05. 

James Bates (Captain), who lived in the last house in South 
Abington on the road leading by his house to East Bridge- 
water, held several offices in town ; was one of the Selectmen 
twelve years, from 18 IG, and represented the town in the State 
Legislature nine years ; he was never married ; he died Dec. 
2, 1848, aged 80. When in his last sickness, he was asked 
if he would have a doctor, and replied, " I can die without a 
doctor." 

Micah Pool, of East Abington, was a distinguished character 
in town for many years ; he was one of the Selectmen eleven 
years, from 1813, and was Representative to the State Legisla- 
ture seven years. He was also a very efficient man in his 
own section, in establishing the Congregational Society there, 
providing school-houses, laying out and building of new roads, 
&c. These operations commenced by clearing away the woods 
in the district where the meeting-house stands. (See the 
Memorial of the Pool Family, in the Appendix.) 

In the military line, Col. Luke Bicknell claims the first 
notice. He was a captain in the revolutionary war ; the first 
captain of tlie Artillery Company raised in this town, the 
establishment of which was luainly owing to his exertions. 
He was a colonel in the militia establishment of the State. 
He was an accomplished officer, and inspired a love of military 
tactics in this town, which continued for many years ; and it 
is even probable, that its influence was felt in the late war 
against rebellion, both by officers and men, more than twelve 
hundred 'of whom were in the field at different times from this 
town. Besides, Col. Bicknell was a benefactor to his town in a 



DISTINGUISHED CHARACTERS. 283 

civil capacity. He was once chosen one of the Selectmen, and 
once a Representative to the State Legislature ; but on account 
of his business (he was a mason by trade), he declined olfice 
that interfered with it, and only accepted such as did not. 
He served as Town Clerk and Treasurer from 1784 to 1814, 
Avith the exception of one year (1799), thirty-one years faith- 
fully, and to great acceptance. He for many years published 
intentions of marriages, orally, (cried them, as it Avas 
called,) in the meeting-house on Sabbath morning, before the 
services commenced. I heard many of such cryings by him 
when I was a boy. The law is now different. He had 
several children, most of Avhom settled out of town ; his 
descendants are but few now in town ; he died August 22, 
1814, age 65 ; he held the oflice of Town Clerk and Treasurer 
that year to the very time of his death, making his whole 
term of office thirty-one years ; one-half of his whole life, 
wanting about one year. 

Major Luke Nash, who lived in Centre Abington, was 
captain of the Artillery Company, and was afterwards major 
of a cohort of several artillery companies ; he left several 
children ; two of his daughters reside on the same site where, 
he used to live, having built a very commodious house since 
his decease. 

Col. Brackley Gushing was a distinguished officer in his 
day ; he had quite a military turn, and made a splendid 
appearance on horseback ; he lived in Centre Abington, 
near whei'e his son Greenwood now lives. He left quite a 
number of children. 

Captain Noah Ford was a very able officer in the Artillery 
Company, Avhich he commanded for many years with much 
success : He lived in Centre Abington, in the house in which 
his son Alden now lives ; he took a great interest in all town 
affairs ; was a zealous patriot ; he left, besides his son named 
above, several daughters. (See Ford Family, in the Appen- 
dix.) 

Major-General Benjamin King, of a more recent date, was 
a very efficient military officer ; he was instrumental in I'aising 



284 DISTINGUISHED CHARACTERS. 

a volunteer infantry company, over Avhicli he was captain for 
many years ; it was a very select company, composed of the 
flower of our young men ; it was under excellent discipline, 
and was an honor to all our military parades, by its fine 
appearance and evolutions. General King was the first one 
who ever held the olfice of general in this town. (See the 
Memorial of the King Family, in the Appendix.) 

There are many other worthy and useful characters named 
in the previous chapters and in the memorials of families, 
which it is not necessary to repeat. 

A word or two under the head of this chapter may not be 
out of place in respect to myself; I almost consider myself as 
one of a generation that has passed away ; I am very near 
that bourne from which no traveller returns. IMy health and 
faculties have been mercifidly continued unto me ; I do not 
realize that I am so old as I am ; my health is good, and I have 
no chronic or hereditary complaints ; I have written this book, 
except a few chapters, since I Avas eighty years old ; how it 
will be received I know not ; I may, in some small degree, 
hereafter, be considered a benefactor to the inhabitants of 
Abington. This is the first bound book ever published by 
any writer in town ; the publication will make a new era in 
its onward progress. 

And I may add, that in one or two other respects I may 
have been of some use in promoting its welfare. I allude, in 
the first place, to my exertions to have the Old Colony Rail- 
road pass through this town. The first question in locating 
it, was, whether it should pass through this town or through 
Bridgewater, North Bridgewater and Randolph. The Plymouth 
people preferred this way, but rather than take the risk of 
having no railroad from Plymouth, they would have consented 
to have it built the other way. To get the road to pass 
through this town I'equired great exertions, for all the towns 
on the other line were of course in favor of that way. The 
Fall River route was then first beginning to be thought of. I 
had the credit of doin"r much to establish the route where it 



DISTINGUISHED CHARACTERS. 285 

now is, in m.aking surveys, looking up documents, and appear- 
ing before the committee who had the decision of the route. 

There was another question soon after, whicli was to extend 
the Old Colony Railroad from Plymouth to Sandwich, to 
secure the travel of Cape Cod. It appeared to me at the time, 
and has ever since, that if suitable exertions had been made 
by persons who were in favor of this extension, and by 
Plymouth, Abington, and other towns on this line, it would 
have been extended, and the whole travel of Cape Cod turned 
this Avay forever. 

I was very anxious to have this extension, as I thought it 
would be of great benefit to the town. At the hearing of this 
question before the Committee of the Legislature, but little 
interest appeared to be taken in its extension by the towns or 
people on this route. This town was not represented that 
year in the Legislature. I was a candidate for the office of 
Representative, but failed of an election for the want of one 
vote. The reason was probably because I was in favor of 
the location of the Old Colony Railroad where it is now, and 
of the extension of the branch railroad from South Abington 
Depot to Bridgewater, whilst many others favored a more 
westerly location of the main road than the present one, and 
the location of the branch from the centre or north depot in 
Abington to Bridgewater, instead of from the south depot. 
So, when the hearing took place, although I was present, my 
influence was lost before the Committee and the Legislature. 
There were but feeble efforts made on this side before the 
Committee in favor of the extension of the Old Colony Rail- 
road to Sandwich, while strenuous exertions were made on 
the other side to defeat it by many who were in favor of a 
railroad from the Cape by the way of Bridgewater. To 
further this project the Fall River Railroad was varied about 
three miles from a straight line by way of Middleboro', to 
catch the Cape travel, and finally succeeded, and the extension 
to Sandwich was lost. 

I have often thought, (I may be mistaken, however,) that 
if I had been favored with that one vote, the result would 



286 TACK FACTORIES. 

liave been different, and that cars would now be running 
through this town to the Cape. 

There is another prominent thing which I have been in- 
strumental in introducing into this town, which is the tack 
business. I built the first tack factory here, and pursued the 
tack business for nearly fifty years, through many obstacles 
and changes. The result is known, in the erection of new 
tack factories on a large scale, which will be described in the 
next chapter, and illustrated by engravings. 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 

The First Tack Factory built in Town. — Three Others built more 
recently. — Boot and Shoe Establishments. 

In respect to the first tack factory built by me, and the com- 
mencement of the tack business in this town, it Avill not be 
necessary to say much, as I have already given a full state- 
ment of their beginning under the head of manufactures. This 
factory was destroyed by fire a few years since, (August, 1859,) 
just after it Avas transferred to William H. Dunbar, Esq., 
my son-in-law, and has recently been rebuilt by him on a very 
extended scale, as described below. It stands about thirty 
rods Avesterly of the Old Colony and Newport Railroad Depot, 
on the northerly side of the road. 

The old factory, at its commencement, — that is previous to 
1820, — was on a small scale ; but by additions, from time to 
time, it became, with the outbuildings, quite extensive. The 
main factory, at the time of its transfer, 1859, was over one 
hundred feet long, averaging thirty feet Avide, Avith the pro- 
jections ; tAA^o stories high, with a spacious basement and attic 
the Avhole length. The factory Avas driven by steam and 
water-power — by both together, or each separately. The 
capacity of the factory Avas adequate to operating sixty tack 



'i!;K;;iii,ii;,':r.' 



M NNiiinn'i;.ii:iiii,.i!iiii 



iiiiiii.ft(, 











f^ 



5^* ll"«l I'l 



TACK FACTORIES. 287 

machines ; besides, under the same roof, principally in the base- 
ment story, at one end, there was a board and shingle mill 
and a grist mill, operated by the same power. At the other 
end of the building, on the basement floor also, were the boiler 
and steam-engine. The outbuildings were a saw-mill, black- 
smith's shop, a large boarding-house, store, packing shop, 
storage rooms, annealing shop, &c. The whole establishment 
was the result of my labors for over fifty years. 

The engraving of this old factory on the page preceding this 
chapter, gives quite a view of it, and of the various outbuild- 
ings. The engraving was made from a sketch of the old 
factory, drawn some twenty years ago, by an operative in the 
factory, about fourteen years old, by the name of Levi White, 
son of Cyrus White, of Hanson ; and it does him much credit. 
This engraving of the old factory will remind hundreds of 
operators who have worked in it, and thousands of others who 
have passed by it, of its form and appearance — its tall chim- 
ney with the black smoke issuing from it, which stood for 
nearly half a century as a beacon to the surrounding country. 

The following is a description of the tack factory erected in 
place of the first, by William II. Dmibar, Esq., as before 
stated, and now owned and operated by the firm of •' Dunbar, 
Ilobart & Whiddeu " : — 

The factory is composed of a two-story building, facing the 
road, one hundred and eighty-three by forty-eight feet ; and 
another of one-story, extending northerly from near the centre 
of the same, three hundred a^d thirty-four by sixty-seven feet. 
Its internal arrangements are as follows : On the lower floor 
of the tAvo-story building are, — the counting room, papering, 
boxing and shipping-rooms. 

On the upper floor of the same building are the the storage, 
tinning and label rooms ; also, a room used for light machinery, 
Avhere carpet tacks are leathered, &c. The remainder of 
the factory is divided into a manufactured stock room, bluing 
and polishing room, tack and shoe nail room, slitting room, 
iron room, engine room, heel and toe-plate room and machine 
room. The factory can be run either by water or steam, or 



288 TACK FACTOPJES. 

both ; the engine alone (which is rated at one hundred and 
fifty horse-power) being able to run three hundred machines. 
When in full operation, the factory will give employment to 
three hundred hands, and have a capacity for turning out 
yearly from two thousand to two thousand five hundred tous of 
tacks, brads, shoe nails, &c. 

Adjoining the factory are a blacksmith's shop, scaling shop, 
wood and coal house ; also, a boarding-house and four dwel- 
ling-houses, Avhich are used as tenements for the operatives. 
Six more dwelling-houses are now in process of erection. 

Previous to the buildiug of the factory, a special act was 
passed by the State Legislature authorizing the construction of 
a branch railroad track across the highway. By this means the 
iron, zinc, and copper are brought direct from the rolling mills 
to the iron room, where they are cut into proper lengths and 
taken to the scaling shop. After passing through this process 
they are taken to the slitting room, cut into different sizes, and 
transferred to the tack room. Here they are manufactured 
into all the various kinds of tacks, brads, shoe nails, &c. 
These are then submitted to the process of bluing and polish- 
ing, taken to the papering room, papered, boxed, and marked. 

The advantages possessed by the company in the extent and 
capacity of their works, in the making and repairing their 
machines and machinery, (all of Avhich is done on the 
premises, and in the latest and best manner,) and their unusual 
facilities for receiving and delivering freight, enable them to 
take a leading stand in the tack business. To the material 
prosperity of the town these works are an important addition, 
and reflect credit alike upon her and their energetic proprietors. 

TACK FACTORY OF HENRY H. BRIGHAM. 

There is another tack factory, erected by Henry H. Brigham, 
my nephew, the past year, 1865, which stands about one- 
quarter of a mile easterly from South Abington Depot, and 
about sixty rods from the site where the old tack factory of B. 
Hobart & Son stood. It is situated on the south side of the 
road, near his dwelling-house. The building is well con- 
structed, and finished in good style. The stone work was done 






1 1 




'f§^ivw 



BOOT AND SHOE ESTABLISHMENTS. 291 

engine, in a large building, and consists of a pegging machine, 
two of McKay sewing machines, levelling machine, &c. The 
whole value of shoes manufactured annually, $650,000. (See 
Engraving.) 

BOOT AND SHOE ESTABLISHMENT OF LEONARD BLANCHARD. 

Mr. Leonard Blanchard's manufactories are situated on the 
street leading from Union Street to Howard Street, south of 
the Congregational meeting-house. The buildings are four 
stories in height, sixty-seven feet long by twenty-five feet wide. 
The small one and one-half story building south of the above is 
solely occupied for crimping long boots and shoes. About one 
hundred and thirty hands are employed in the various depart- 
ments of manufacture, and some $2,000 expended weekly 
amongst the operatives. The basement of the eastern building 
is devoted to treeing long boots, and packing them ready for 
the market. The first floor contains the finishing, drying, 
dressing, and packing rooms. The second floor and attic are 
occupied by the shoemakers. Four McKay sewing machines 
are in operation in the building. 

The basement of the adjoining shop contains the sole 
leather, where some thirty to forty sides are daily cut into 
soles, heels, &c. The next floor contains the stitching room, 
where some twelve stitching machines are in operation. 
The store room for findings, as well as the receiving and 
counting rooms, are on this floor. The next floor is the cut- 
tei-'s room, where the upper stock is cut into the various kinds 
of goods required — long boots. Congress boots, Balmorals, 
Oxford ties, &c. The attic is occupied as a store-room for 
upper leather. 

Mr. Blanchard manufactured some two hundred and fifty 
thousand dollars' worth of goods during the year 1865. 

BOOT AND SHOE ESTABLISHMENT OF WM. L. REED. 

The following is a description of the boot and shoe factory 
of William L. Reed, situated in South Abington, within a few- 
rods of the Old Colony and Newport Railroad Depot. 



292 BOOT AND SHOE ESTABLISHMENTS. 

It was erected in 1860. The building is sixty by forty, 
three stories high, with a spacious attic. The factory is 
operated by steam-power, and heated by steam. It is divided 
into different departments, as follows : In the basement story 
are two large rooms, one for the storage of sole leather, and 
one for cutting, rolling, and preparing sole leather for boots 
and shoes, which are made out of the building, in different 
parts of the country. Also, a small engine room and a boiler 
room, built of brick, which stands out from the main building. 
In the second story is an office, twelve by fifteen, a large receiv- 
ing room, a drying room, scouring room, and finishing room. 
In the third story are a cutting room, a dressing room, and a 
stitching room, where nine machines are operated at present, 
with room for more. The attic is used for storing boxes and 
stock, with a room for treeing boots. An elevator is carried 
by steam-power from the basement to the attic. Forty males 
and eight females have usually been employed here. No 
boots or shoes are made in the building. Amount of busi- 
ness annually, $200,000. (See Engraving.) 

BOOT AND SHOE FACTORY OF JOSHUA L. NASH. 

This fine establishment, situated on the corner of Washing- 
ton and Summer Streets, was erected by the late General Ben- 
jamin King, and opened as a public house January 1, 1850. 

It has a front of one hundred feet on Washington Street, 
and, with the recent enlargement, extends one hundred and 
thirty-four feet on Summer Street. Its original cost was about 
$25,000. 

After the decease of General King, it passed to his sister, 
the late Miss Hannah King. It was purchased of her heirs 
in March, 1864, and work at once commenced to adapt it for 
the manufacture of both boots and shoes. 

It has been perfected and systematized by the proprietor, 
and is the most extensive establishment in the " Centre." 

The boot and shoe business, as formerly carried on, had but 
little of system. It could not be otherwise, as a large part of 




^4^j|iiiji,jiiiiiiiiiiiiM'i'i^^ ^ 



BOOT AND SHOE ESTABLISHMENTS. 293 

the goods were fitted and bottomed some miles away. Often 
mouths would elapse before they were returned 

Another difhculty Mas to find ten or twenty cases of the 
same general appearance to suit the customer's taste, as every 
man had his " peculiar style." 

The more recent system, by introducing machinery and the 
factory plan of labor, has nearly paralyzed the old. It bids 
fair to supersede it altogether. It enables the manufacturer 
to turn both his stock and capital oftener. The work is all 
done under his constant supervision. 

This " model shop" is divided into six departments, under 
practical and competent men. Enter the main building and 
note the objects of interest. 

The front parlors are used for a counting-room and private 
office. In the rear of these, on the opposite side of the hall, 
is the large " dining-room," now used for the storage of upper 
leather and for the reception of goods made outside. Passing 
up a flight of stairs, you stand near three large cutting-rooms. 
The uppers, when cut, are sent aloft by means of elevators, to 
bauds, for pasting and stitching. 

Ascend another flight and you find, at the left, the pasting 
and sewing, and on the right the stitching room. 

This last (forty-two by twenty-two) contains twenty 
sewing machines, of the most improved kinds, placed nearly 
opposite each other, on a bench across the centre of the hall, 
so that the operators stand facing each other. Here are 
also machines for turning boots — seam rubbers, binding- 
rollers, punching, eyeleting, &c. The water tank is in this 
room. It is filled from either the well or cistern by the 
engine, and water is .conducted by means of pipes to other 
apartments. 

Descend from this to the basement, which is entirely above 
ground, and on a level with Summer Street. The first which 
attracts attention here, is the fine Corlip engine, of twelve 
horse-power. On the north side are the " machinists' rooms." 

The furnace chimney is outside the main building ; also the 
boiler-house, which is fire-proof. The boiler is of twenty- 



294 BOOT AND SHOE ESTABLISHMENTS. 

eiglit horse capacity, containing fifty-two tubes. It furnishes 
steam for heating purposes, besides the propelling of the 
machinery. 

As we approach the south building, this introduces us to 
the sole-stripping, splitting, rolling, and sole-die cutting ma- 
chines ; also the welt-splitter, heel machines, heel presses, &c. 
Here the sole leather, prepared for use, is sent to the several 
apartments above by elevators. In this building (thirty by 
eighty, and three and a half stories in height,) are the several 
gangs of bottomers. 

' As we ascend, call in the front rooms and take a peep at the 
" new era power pegging machines." Tiiere are three of these 
in use. How much has been accomplished in this invention 
— this triumph of art — can be imagined, when we say it 
takes about twenty seconds to peg two rows around a shoe. 
A single hand can peg from tv.o hundred and fifty to three 
hundred and fifty pairs a day. Then, instead of the old 
method of levelling the bottom by a hammer, the " levelling 
machine " is used. 

Pass to the difi'erent apartments for bottoming, and see the 
practical working of the system of making shoes by parts. 
It is a great success. They are commenced at one end of a 
bench, and, when they arrive at the other end, they are ready 
for the finishing process. They are only sent out of the rooms 
for pegging or sewing. At present preparations are making 
to use the heel-shaving and burnishing machines. 

Goods are then carried to the buffing, drying, and scouring 
rooms, from whence they are taken to finish the bottoms, by 
■wetting, staining, blacking, or burnishing, as may be desired. 
This accomplished, they are sent to the rooms below, in the 
main building, for dressing and packing. When ready for 
delivery they are passed from the door in the rear. 

All goods are sent directly to Messrs. L. S. Jones & Co., 
87 Pearl street, Boston, for whom they are expressly manu- 
factured. 

The capacity for turning out work is one thousand two 
hundred pairs a day. Number of males employed, one 



BOOT AND SHOE ESTABLISHHIENTS. 295 

hundred and twenty-five. Number of females, twenty-five. 
The amount of goods manufactured the past year is about 
$300,000. A watchman is kept by night on the premises. 

THE FACTORY OP WASHINGTON REED. 

In the rear of the Third Congregational Church, on Union 
Street, East Abington, is located a shoe manufactory, which is 
under the direction of Washington Reed, for the purpose of 
manufacturing men's and ladies ' fur-lined over-shoes, and 
men's and ladies ' carpet slippers, of which tliere are about 
one thousand pairs made daily, employing from one hundred 
to one hundred and twenty-five hands. Besides the various 
kinds of leather and cloth used, there are annually froua six 
to ten thousand buffalo robes used. 

The work is all done in this building, which is a three-story 
building with basement and attic floors, making five floors in 
all, and twenty-five thousand feet of floor in the whole build- 
ing. The main building was erected in 18G4. Size, seventy- 
four by forty-six. In 1865 an addition of sixty feet by thirty- 
five was made, three stories high, with a basement. On the 
first floor, (basement,) is a room for machinist, engine, (ten 
horse,) boiler, (thirty-five horse,) rooms for coal and for 
storing sole leather, cutting sole leather, and preparing it for 
the bottomers. On the second floor is located the counting- 
room, dressing and packing-room, and storage. On the third 
floor are the bottomers, and McKay sewing-machines. On 
the fourth are the upper leather cutters, and on the fifth floor, 
(attic,) are the stitching machines. 

The building is heated by steam, and an elevator is used 
for conveying the stock from one floor to another. 

This is one of the largest establishments for this kind of 
manufacture in the United States. 

There are many other quite extensive boot and shoe estab- 
lishments in town, the particulars of which have not been 
ascertained. 



t^ 



CHAPTER XXXV. 

THE SOUTHERN REBELLION. 

Men and other Aids for Suppressing the Rebellion. — Commissioned 
Officers. — Mortality, &c. 

Since tlie preparation of these Reminiscences commenced, 
the materials of History have been accumulating with uupre- 
cedented rapidity. The inauguration of civil war by the 
rebellion of the Southern States opened a new epoch of our 
national afiairs. For the last four years the nation has been 
in arms. Probably no patriot citizen of this country will ever 
forget the electric thrill which passed through the length and 
breadth of the loyal States, Avhen news came of the opening 
upon Sumter of the guns of tlie forts surrounding it, and the 
consequent call of the President for 75,000 three months' 
troops. The situation of our country, and even of our Capitol, 
was apparently one of great peril ; and there was a fear even 
that the quickest aid might come too late. I propose to intro- 
duce a brief sketch of the part our town has taken in the great 
work of suppressing the rebellion, Avith some account of Co. 
E, Light Infantry, of South Abington, of the 4th Regiment of 
three months' volunteers, which Avas the first company fur- 
nished by this town. It Avas organized in 1787 as the Abington 
Artillery Company, and in 1852 annexed to the 4th Regiment 
of Infantry. 

I quote from the " Massachusetts Register " for 1862 : — 
" At eight o'clock on the evening of April 15, 1861, orders 
were received to report at Boston next morning. Messengers 
were despatched at once, and during the night preparations 
were made for their departure. At seven o'clock the next 
morning the company Avas ready to march. The citizens turned 
out in great numbers to escort them to the depot at South 
Abington. . . . Before leaving South Abington, a subscrip- 
tion Avas raised, and two hundred and tAveuty-seven dollars 

(296) 



THE SOUTHERN REBELLION. 297 

presented to the Company. * On returning to ALington, July 
23, they were met and addressed by prominent citizens, and 
the next day tlieir fellow-townsmen gave them a grand recep- 
tion. William L. Reed, Esq., made the welcome speech, 
which was replied to by Capt. Allen. Addresses suitable 
for the occasion were then made by Rev. H. L. Edwards, 
Rev. Mr. Clark, of South Abington, and by Rev. H. D. 
"Walker, of East Abington ; also by Hon. Mr. Harris, of East 
Bridgewater, which were replied to by Sergeant Peterson, of 
Company E ; at the close of which they partook of a colla- 
tion which had been provided by the citizens." 

It should be here distinctly declai-ed that the inhabitants of 
this town have, with great unanimity, and with much warmth 
of patriotism, engaged in the work of suppressing the rebellion. 
They have generally given a very earnest and cordial support 
to the government ; and if there have been some exceptions 



* "The rourth Regiment, to which the company belonged, rendez- 
voused at Boston, on Wednesday the IGtli, and left for Portress Monroe 
on Thursday the 17th. At daybreak on Sunday, April 20th, the long 
low line of the walls of the fort were visible in the distance. Anx- 
iously tlie regiment watched as the boat lay off and on " (the steamer 
State of Maine, which had brought them from Fall Eiver.) "until at 
sunrise they saw the old flag unfolding from the flag-staff. The men 
■were quickly landed, and amid the cheers of the little garrison marched 
into the fort. They were warmly welcomed; for those within, from 
keeping watch and ward many a day, were well nigh exhausted." 
Hon. Levi Heed, in his address to the soldiers on their recei^tion at the 
close of the war, well observed as follows : — 

"This promptness and energy was of the first importance to the 
country ; and small as this expedition now seems, in tl>e light of what 
has since followed, nevertheless, at the time, it was a matter of the 
highest consequence. Fortress Monroe is the key to Chesapeake Bay, 
and so to the Potomac River, and in fact to the whole southern Atlan- 
tic coast ; and on its preservation depended our access to Washington 
by water, and the means of supplying our armies with food and the 
necessary munitions of war. 

'• The arrival of this regiment at its destination, anticipated only 
by a few hours the contemplated attack of the rebels, which, but for 
this aid, must have been successful." 



298 THE SOUTHERN REBELLION. 

to this, it is to be charitably hoped that they have not been 
caused by opposition to the end of the unity of the nation, but 
by an honest difference of judgment as to the best means of 
securing this end. 

The names of the officers and privates of Co. E, will now 
be given. The letter (R.) prefixed to a name, denotes the re- 
enlistment of the person to Avhose name it is attached. Other 
abbreviations, II. A., Heavy Artillery; Cav., Cavalry ; N. C, 
North Carolina; S. S., Signal Corps; B'y., Battery; U. S. 
O. C, United States Ordnance Corps ; B., Battalion. The 
Star (*) denotes the death of the person to whose name it is 
attached. 

OFFICERS. 

Captain Charles F. Allen, South Abington. 
First Lieut. Lewis Soule, South Abington. 
Second Lieut. John AY. Mitchell, South Abington. 
*Sergeant Benjamin F. Caswell, South Abington. R. 
Sergeant Nathaniel O. Ilolbrook, Centre Abington. 
Sergeant Henry Humble, South Abington. 
Sergeant Benjamin F. Peterson, South Abington. 
Corporal Joshua T. Bryant, South Abington. 
Corporal Timothy Reed, South Abington. 
Corporal William II. Maine, South Abington. 
Corporal Morton E. Hardiug, East Bridgewater. 

PRIVATES. 

Abbott, Luther C, Weymouth Landing. 
Bickford, John E., South Abington. 
Barrett, Benjamin R., South Abington. 
Barbor, John A., Centre Abington. R. 
Bates, James E., South Abington. 
Caton, Joseph W., South Abington. 
Cook, Thomas H., South Abington. 
Corwin, William, East Bridgewater. 
Cook, Joshua, 2d, South Abington. 
Curtis, Elbridge R., East Bridgewater. R. 



THE SOUTHERN REBELLION. 299 

Dunham, Andrew J., Centre Abingtou. 
Dunbar, Henry F., South Abington. 
Edson, George A., East Bridgewater. R. 
Fuller, Thomas, South Abington. R. 
Gurney, Seth P., East Bridgewater. 
Gurney, Alva A., East Bridgewater. 
Harding, George M., East Bridgewater. R. 
Hathaway, William B., East Bridgewater. R. 
Hall, Ichabod G., South Abington. R. 
Hobart, Thomas, South Abington. R. 
Howe, Charles M., South Abington. 
Howland, Caleb, South Abington. R. 
Howard, Elijah, South Abington. 
Josselyn, James E., South Abington. R. 
Knowles, William W., South Abington. R. 
Lincoln, Willard B., South Abington. R. 
Loveradge, Isaac, East Bridgewater. R. 
Leach, John A., South Abingtou. R. 
Perry, John H., Hanson. R. 
Phiuney, Barny F., South Abington. R. 
Penney, Leonard F., South Abington. 
Pierce, James H., East Bridgewater, 
Packard, Hiram F., South Abington. 
Ramsdell, Philemon W., South Abington. 
Ramsdell, Nathaniel F., South Abington. 
Reed, Henry H., East Abington. 
Reed, Samuel M., South Abington. 
Randall, Joseph T., South Abington. R. 
Rowe, Zaccheus, South Abington. R. 
Stetson, Andrew ,J., South Abington. 
Steingardt, Joseph A., P^ast Bridgewater. 
Stewart, Nathan M., Centre Abington. 
Tillson, Mercer V., East Bridgewater. 
Taylor, Thomas, Middleborough. 
Tuttle, Ebenezer G., South Abington. 
Witherell, James H., South Abington. R. 
Witherell, Eben A., South Abington. R. 



300 THE SOUTHERN REBELLION. 

"Witherell, Otis F., South Abington. 
Washburn, Jerome, South Abington. 

OTHER THREE MONTHS* VOLUNTEERS FROM ABINGTON. 

Atwood, Thomas B., Co. B, Plymouth; Third Regiment. 
R. 

Atwood, Timothy S., Co. B, Plymouth ; Third Regiment. 
R. 

Raymond, Harvey A., Co. B, Plymouth; Third Regi- 
ment. R. 

Lucas, Daniel, Co. B, Plymouth ; Third Regiment. R. 

Prior, Erastus O., Co. B, Plymouth ; Third Regiment. 
R. 

Green, John, Co. C, Cambridge ; Third Regiment. 

Kavanagh, William, Co. C, Cambridge ; Third Regiment. 

Benson, Calvin, Co. H, Plympton ; Third Regiment. 

Baldwin, George W., Co. II, Plympton ; Third Regiment. 

Dwyre, Daniel, Co. H, Plympton ; Third Regiment. li. 

Loud, Lemuel J., Co. H, Plympton ; Third Regiment. 

Reed, Seth D., Co. H, Plympton ; Third Regiment. 

Terrill, Major, Co. 11, Plympton ; Third Regiment. 

Turner, Alonzo, Co. H, Plympton ; Third Regiment. 

Willis, James F., Co. II, Plympton ; Third Regiment. R. 

Fay, William, Co. II, Plympton ; Third Regiment. 

French, Francis M., Co. H, Plympton ; Third Regiment. 

Herrin, Philander, Co. H, Plympton ; Third Regiment. R. 

Meserve, Solomon, Co. H, Plympton ; Third Regiment. 

Sheean, Michael, Co. H, Plympton ; Third Regiment. 

Towle, John A., Co. H, Plympton ; Third Regiment. R. 

Thompson, Samuel G., Co. H, Plympton ; Third Regi- 
ment. 

It will be observed that the roll of the above Company is 
given entire ; though it embraces several names of persons 
from other towns. In the lists of recruits for various terms 
of service which follow, only such as are from this town are 
embraced. I give, first, the three years' volunteers, without 



THE SOUTHERN REBELHOX. 



301 



bounty ; next, those for three yeai'S, with bounty ; and, Itfstly, 
the nine months ' vohinteers who also received bounty — from 
the report of the Selectmen of the town for 1862 — 63. 
Enlistments recorded in subsequent reports will follow. 









Reg't. 


Baker, Eeuben . . . 1st Ciiv. 


Freeman, Harvey P. 


1st Cav. 


Gillman, Caleb K. . 


1st Cav. 


Jacobs, Daniel . . 


1st Cav. 


Jewett, John . . 


. 1st Cav. 


Studljs John . . 


1st Cav. 


*Tucker, James H. 


1st Cav. 


Smith, Albert B. . 


1st Cav. 


Snooks, John F. 


. . . 2d 


Hines, Richard R. 






. 2d 


Lyons, Jolm P. . . 






. 2d 


Burke, James . . 






. 2d 


Cronan, Dennis 






. 2d 


Davis, Lorenzo . . 






. 2d 


Barker, James . . 






. 9th 


Sanborn, James D. 






. 9th 


Galliher, Owen 






9th 


Donavan, John F. 






Oth 


Lydcn, Martin . . 






9th 


Cleary, James . . 






9th 


Flynn, James . . . 






9th 


Carroll, John . . . 






9th 


Ryan, Andrew . . 






9th 


Grady, John 0. . . 






9 th 


Lahay, Thomas . . 






9th 


Lyden, Morton . . 






9th 


Mullen, Thomas . . 






9th 


*Shehan, IVIartin . . 






9th 


Cullenan, John N. 






9th 


Cullinan, Joe . . , 






9th 


Condon, James . . 






9 th 


ClifTord, John . . . 






9 th 


Donavan, Patrick . . 






9th 


*Donavan, John . . 






9th 


Pendergrass, John 






11th 


Mahony, Thomas . . 






11th 


Barkley, Michael . . 






nth 


Leavitt, Thomas . . 






11th 


*Loftis, Martin . . 






nth 


Raney, Francis . . 






nth 


Welch, Michael . . 






nth 


Dufi^an, Michael . . 






13th 


Stetson, Oliver . . . 






14th 


Joy, Henry .... 






l«th 


Eiley, Michael . . . 






IGth 



THREE tears' VOLUNTEERS WITHOUT BOUNTY, TO FEB. 1, 1863. 



Campbell, Wm. M. 
Meaney, Timothy . 
Towle, John A. 
Meiggs, William J. 
Phinney, Barney . 
Pool, Hiram . . 
Howard, Elijah 
Howland, Caleb 
*Caswell, Benjamin 
.Conry, John, jr. 
Cook, John A. . . 
*Dwyer, Daniel 
*Fuller, Thomas , 
Howe, Francis M. 
Rider, Edmond 
White, William B. 
*Coughlan, Michael 
Roberts, Sylvester R 
Mead, John . . . 
Madin, John . . 
Cook, Bartlett . . 
Whiting, Hiram L. 
Foley, Daniel . . 
Morris, Joseph 
Pettee, Michael 
*Beal, Bradford W. 
Ford, Jolm C. . . 
March, Joseph . . 
Smith. George H. . 
Benedict, Newton . 
Meady, Richard 
Lovett, Charles I. . 
Searls, William H. 
*Pratt, Henry . . 
Pearsons, Frank . 
Pierce, Henry B. . 
Atwood, Thomas B. 
*Sewell, John M. . 
Sewell, Dummer . 
Towle, James . . 
French, Charles L. 
Willis, Samuel. Co. C 
Scott, William . . 
Mellon, Joel B., Co. I 
Eyan, Daniel . . 



26 



302^ 



THE S0T7THERN REBELLION. 



Dugan, John 
Naviil, Thomas 
O'Connell, James 
Coon, Daniel 
Eipley, George . 
*Harding, George W. 
*Mathews, Warren 
Eandall, Geo. P. . 
*Keene, Charles J. 
Tirrill, Americus V., , 
Tirrill, Major . . 
Quinlan, James 
Fish, Isaac H. . . 
Curtis, Albert . . 
Corthell, James H. 
Haversteck, J. Henry 
Cassaland, James W 
Cushman, Isaiah . 
Henery, Philander 
Rourk, John . . 
Wales, William 
Moore, Horace D. 
Hallihan, Dennis, 3d 
Gurney, Francis M. 
Lealey, Patrick . 
Cusliing, Henry G. 
Merritt, Qnincy 
Clark, John . . 
Cobb, Henry . . 
Brown, Joseph W. Si 
Swain, Theron L. 



Reg't. 

, 28th 

. 28th 

, 28 th 

. 28th 

. 30th 

. 30th 

. 30th 

. 30th 

. 32d 

. 33d 

. 33d 

. 33d 

. 39 th 

. 39th 

. 38th 

. 3Sth 



m camp. 

9th Me. 

1st Me. 

4th Vt. 

3d Ind. 

2d N. H. 

R. I. Bat'y. 

1st Bat'n. 

40th N. Y. 

8th N. H. 

9tli Bat'n. 

3d Bat'n. 

87th N. Y. 

gnal Corps. 

R. I. Bat'y. 



Corthell. Elmer L. R. I. Bat'y. 
Breclc, M. V. B. . . . 3d Vt. 
Bowden, Dennis . 28th N. Y. 
Damon, Edwin H. . 2d D. C. 
Driscoll, Patrick . . 99th N. Y. 
Holbrook, Wm. . . . 2d R. I. 
Webster, Wm. . . 34th N. Y. 
Campbell, John 10th R. I. Bat. 
Callihan, Daniel 10th R. I. Bat, 
Briggs, Geo. W. . . . 5th Me. 
Gurney, Silas N. Y. Ex'ior Brig. 
*Gurney, Winfield S. " 
Estes, Daniel B. . . 38th Mass. 
Dolan, Michael . . . 72d 111. 
Pettee, Lemuel . . 11th U. S. 
Flynn, Thomas . , Cth U. S. 
Janes, William A. . 1st U. S. 
Jones, Samuel W. . 1st U. S. 
Thayer, Franklin P. . 1st U. S. 
Jones, Charles H. . . 1st U. S. 
Smith, Geo. W. 2d U. S. Art'y. 
Smith, Charles . 2d U. S. Art'y. 
Fleming, Peter . 3d U. S. Art'y. 



Reg't* 
Friary, Peter 2d U. S. Art'y. 

Lee, James 4th U. S. Artillery. 
Murphy. Dennis U. S. Service. 
Mcllvane, Hugh U. S. Service. 
O'Connell, Jere'h U. S. Service. 
O'Donnold, Hugh U. S. Service. 
Cavanaugh, Wm. U. S. Service. 
Penniman, Geo. IT. S. Artillery. 
Gushing, Sam'l F. 2d Heavy Art. 
Farrar, Calvin. 
Alden, Eleazer C. . 
Bosworth, John C. 
*Beebe, Henry W. 
Bisbee. Wright . . 
Bain, Edward M. . 
Bradley, James F. 
Bowldry, John B. . 
Bates, James C. 
Churchill, Robert . 
Collins, Joseph . . 
Chaml)ers, John L. 
Cole, Oman M. 
Chamberlain, Isaac 
Gushing, Henry J. 
Cook, Thomas J. . 
Cole, Levi, jr. . . 
*Cook, Frederick . 
Cook, Geo. W. . . 
Corthell, Samuel L. 
Dunbar, Lucius E. 
Erskins, Frank . . 
Fullerton, Augustine 
Gurney, William H. 
Groves, Geo. F. 
Hobart, Elbert F. . 
Hooker, Edward 
*Hayes, Stephen 
Harding, Jacob W. 
Harlow, Franklin P. 
Howe, Augustus M. 
*lIutcliinson, Benj. F. 
Hinkley, Daniel 
Hinkley. Andrew . 
*Howland, Wm. F. 
Hatch, John T. . . 
Hersey, Joseph . . 
Josselyn, James E. 
Joyce, Thomas . . 
Lock, Parmcnus 
Lufkins, Albert 
Leach, John A. . . 
Lincoln, Wiilard B. 
Levitt, Marcus M. 
McMuckins, John H. 



THE SOUTHERN REBELLION. 



303 





Reg't. 


Mayhevr, Abijah L. . . 


. 7th 


McDonnokl, John . , . 


. 7th 


Noyes, Luke B., jr. . . 


. 7th 


Orcutt, Edward . . . 


. 7th 


Pcnniinan, James M. 


. 7th 


Powers, Kodman T. . . 


. 7th 


Powers, Samuel O. . . 


. 7th 


Packard, Dan .... 


. 7th 


Quinlan. Daniel . . . 


. 7th 


Kavniond, Hansel L., Co. K 


: 7th 


Peed. Geo. W 


. 7th 


*Rced, Charles W. . . 


7th 


Randall, Osias .... 


7th 


Rich, Moses 


7th 


*Robbins, Rufus, jr. . . 


7th 


Rowe, Zaccheus . . . 


7th 


Reed, Henry W. . . , 


7th 


Reed, Cyrus 


7th 


Reed, N. Augustus . . 


7th 


Reed, William .... 


7th 


Sherman, Thomas B. 


7th 


*Sprawl, Matthew L. . . 


7th 


Suell, Samuel L., Co. K. 


7th 


Taygard, Daniel P. . . 


7th 


Thorp, Joshua, Co. K. . 


7th 


Williamson, Lorenzo D. 


7th 


Winslow, Joshua F. . , 


7th 


Woodsum, Ebenezer . . . 


7th 


Witherell, Ebenezer A. . 


7th 


Whiting, Albert . . , 


7th 


Wilder, William . , . . 


7th 


Arnold, Moses N., Co. G. 


12th 


Atwood, Charles, Co. G. 


12th 


Abbott, William, Co. G. , 


12th 


Baldwin, Henry . . . 


12th 


Birmingham, Michael 


12th 


Baldwin, Everett . . . 


12th 


Baxten, Aaron 0. . . . 


12th 


Blanchard, Ira .... 


12th 


*C'ushing, L. Francis . . 


12th 


Cronan, Daniel 


12th 


Cooney, Patrick . . . 


12th 


Cassidy, Thomas . . . 


12th 


Chandler, J. B 


12 th 


tCarter, Benjamin . , 


12th 


Conlen, Edward . . . 


12th 


Davis, John T 


12th 


Downey, Dennis . . . 


12th 


Damon, Thomas W. . . 


12th 


Davis, Charles H 


12th 


*Davis, Walter S. . . . 


12tb 



Damon, Henry . . 
Fish, L. B., Co. G. 
Ford, Elliot W. . 
♦Foster, S. Boardman 
Foley, Morris . , 
Ferris, Daniel . . 
Foster, Solomon . 
Freeman, Harvey P. 
Flynn, Daniel . . 
*Glazier, James L. 
Gilman, George H. 
Harper, John H. 
Hanson, Robert M. 
Hooker," Edwin . 
Hatter, John . . 
House, Albert . 
Hatch, George . 
* Jacobs, William F 
Keene, Melzer . 
♦Kennedy, Kyler 
Lynch, James . 
Levitt, Harrison C. 
*Lewellan, John 
Loud, Marcus M. 
Maxwell, Charles W., 
McGill, Florence 
Meserve, Justin 
Mansey, Frank . 
McGrath, William 
Newton, T. Jefferson 
O'Brine, Daniel . 
Phillips, Nathaniel 
♦Porter, Richard 
Pratt, Samuel L. 
Pool, Francis W. 
♦Parker, Charles A 
♦Pool, Elbridge G. 
Quin, James A. 
Revere, Nathan L 
♦Ryerson, Simeon 
Ring, Osgood 
Rand, Leander D., Co 
♦Reed, Edward P., Co 
Reed, Lewis, Co. G. 
Randall, Stephen D 
Smith, Thomas . 
Smith, Bela . . 
Snell, N. B. . . 
Shehan, Michael 
Smith, Dexter . 
♦Smith, James G. 



Co. 



Co. 



t Supposed to be Benjamin CuHis, who is dead. 



304 



THE SOUTHERN REBELLION. 



Studley, William A. 
Walker, William T. 



Reg't. 
. 12th 
. 12tli 



Rcar't. 
Williamson, Franklin S. . 12th 
Winslow, John 12th 



THREE tears' VOLUNTEERS, WITH BOUNTY, $150 EACH. 



Atwood, Timothy S. . . 
Allen. Calvin W., Co. C. 
Alden, Edward C, Co. C. 
Allen, Charles F., Co. C. 
Brown, James H. . . . 
Bates, Edwin, Co. C. 
Bennett, Seth W. . . . 
Baldwin, Geo. W. . . 
Bates. David B., Co. C. . 
BickneU, Wm. H., Co. C. 
Bayley, James, Co. C. . 
*Baldwin Charles L.. Co. 
*Beal, Georsre E., Co. C. 
Bickford, John E., Co. C. 
Barry. David F., Co. C. . 
Baid'win, Ira B., Co. C. . 
*B!eknell, Alson, Co. C. 
Bushnell, Charles. Co. C. 
Barrett, Benjamin R., Co 
Bates, James E., Co. C. 
Bates, Charles, 2d. Co. C, 
Be.il, Daniel W., Co. C. 
Cook, Joshua . . . . 
Capen, A. Augustus . . 
Catcn, Josepli W., Co. C. 
Corthell, Daniel M., Co. 
Carney, Frank, Co. C. . 
Cook, Josiali T., Co. C. . 
Cusliing, Henry L. . . 
Capen, Samuel G., Co. C 
Cole, Ephraini T., Co. C. 
Downey, Brine, Co. C. . 
Donavan, Frederick, Co. 
*Dyer, Edward L., Co. C. 
Dunham, Andrew, jr. . 
*Ellis, Calvin C, Co. C. 
Eilms, George, Co. C. . 
Eweil. William T., Co. C 
Edson, James H., Co. C. 
Ellis, Jason, Co. C. . . 
Farrar, Lucian W. . . 
*Folsom, George W. . . 
French, Charles H., Co. 
Foster, Hiram, Co. C. . 
Finigin, James, Co. C. . 
Fish, Andrew W., Co. C. 



Reg't. 

. 23d 

. 38th 

, 38th 

. 38 th 

. 14th 

. 3Sth 

. 33d 

1st Car. 

. 38 th 

. 38th 

. 38th 

C. 38th 

. 38th 

. 38th 

. 38th 

. 38th 

. 38th 

. 38th 

. C. 38th 

. 38th 

. 38th 

. 38th 

. 23d 

. 3oth 

. 38th 

C. 38th 

. 38th 

. 38th 

. nth 

, . 38th 

. 38th 

. 38th 

C. 38th 

. 38th 

1st Cav. 

. 38th 

. 38th 

. 38th 

. 38th 

. 38th 

. 14th 

. 14th 

C. 38th 

. 38th 

. 38th 

. 38 th 



Reg't. 
Foster, Wm. E., Co. G. . . 12lh 
Gurney, Andrew H., Co. C. 38th 
Gerrish, John P., Co. H. . 7th 

Hunt, Seth, jr 14th 

Hudson, John, Co. C. . . 38th 

Holbrook, Nath'i. O., Co. C. 38th 

Hcaly, John A., Co. C. . . 38th 

Howland, Nath'I T., Co. C. 38th 

Hill, Morton E., Co. C. . . 3SLh 

Hopkins, Isaac, Co. C. . . 38th 

Howe, George H., Co. C. . 38th 
Hunt, George II., Co. G. .■12th 

*Knowles, Wm. W., Co. C. 3Sth 

Lovewell, George B., Co. C. 38th 

Loud, Lemuel J 11th 

Loud, John M.. Co. G. . . 12th 

*Millett, Henry C, Co. C. . 38th 

Merrow, Joseph, Co. C. . . 38th 

Mitchell, Seth W., Co. C. . 38th 

McKenney, Sam'l IL, Co. C. 38th 

Manchester, G. W., Co. C. 38th 

McGill, Dennis, Co. C. . . 38th 

Morris, E. G., Co. C. . . 38th 

McMuckins, John .... 12th 

Nash, Charles D., Co. C. . 38th 

Newton, H. O. F., Co. C. . 38th 

Nash, James E 11th 

*Nash. Edward E.. Co. C. . 38th 

Nash, Francis A., Co. C. . 38th 

*Osborn, James A., Co. C. 38th 

Peirce, Ilenrv G., Co. C. . 38th 

*Prior, Erastus O., Co. C. . 38th 

Phillips. David T., Co. C. . 38th 

Pool, Perigrine W., Co. C. 38th 

Perry, Jonathan, Co. C. . 48th 

Perkins, Joshua L., Co. C. 33d 

Powers, Henry W., Co. C. 38th 

Powers, Daniel W., Co. C. 38th 

*Ravmond, Harvey A. . . 23d 
Eeed, William T. . . 1st Cav. 

Reed, Timothy, Co. C. . . 38th 

Randall, Joseph W., Co. C. 38th 

Riple}', Edwin, Co. C. . . 38th 

*Ripley, Joseph, Co. C. . . 38th 

Rice, Alvin. Co. C. . . . 38th 

Ramsdell, Piiil. W., Co. C. 38th 



THE SOUTHERN REBELLION. 



805 



Reg't. 

Eobbins, Edwin E., Co. C. 38th 

Sprague, Seth C, jr. . . . 1 1th 

*Saunders, Edward . . . 11th 

Sharp, Shneon, Co. C. . . 38th 

Swain, Levi A., Co. C. . . 38th 

Sampson, Miles, Co. C. . 38th 

Sampson, Jolm, Co. C. . . 38th 

* Stewart, Natlian M., Co. C. 38th 

Sullivan, James N., Co. C. 38th 

Steingardt, Benj., Co. C. . 38th 

Super, Henry A., Co. C. . 38th 

Tuttle, Ebenezer G. Co. C, 38th 



Rcg't. 
Truitl, Joseph, Co. C. . . 38th 
Townsend, Newton, Co. C. 38th 
Talbot, Peter, Co. C. . . 38th 
Thorp, Thomas II., Co. C. . 38th 
Teague, Lysander, Co. C. . 38th 

*Taylor, John G 12th 

Witherell, Robert E. . .1st Cav. 
Walker, Charles H., Co. C. 38th 
Washburn, E. E., jr., Co. C. 38th 
Wiley, James H., Co. C. . 38th 
Whiting, Thomas F., Co. C. 38th 
Washburn, Jerome, Co. C. 38th 



NINE months' VOLUNTEERS, WITH BOUNTY. 



Reg't. 

Arnold, Wm. D., Co. G. . 43d 

Burrill, James H., Co. G. . 43d 

Briggs, Nathaniel B., Co. G. 43d 

BlaisdcU, Alexander, Co. G. 43d 

Burbank, E. Walker, Co. G. 43d 

Burrill.- Charles M., Co. G. 43d 

Beal, David, Co. G. . . . 43d 

Beal, Nathan A., Co. G. . 43d 

Beal, Franklin, Co. G. . . 43d 

Burrill, Benj. A., Co. G. . 43d 

Burrill, John, 2d, Co. G. . 43d 

Briggs, Joseph W., Co. G. 43d 

Baldwin, Elsa, Co. G. . . 43d 

Gushing. Urban W., Co. G. 43d 

Curtis, George E., Co. G. . 43d 

Chubbuck. Hosea, Co. G. . 43d 

Chubbuck, Charles H., Co. G. 43d 

Curtis, Warren C, Co. G. . 43d 

Caplice, Morris, Co. G. . , 43d 

Crook, Patrick, Co. G. . . 43d 

Curtis, Edmond B., Co. G. 43d 

Crowell, Joel, Co. G. . . 43d 

Cushing, Brainard, Co. G. . 43d 

Carney';; Richard, Co. G. . 43d 

Conlan, Edward, Co. G. . 4'3d 

Curtis, Samuel G., Co. G. . 43d 

Donavon, Daniel O., Co. G. 43d 

Damon, Washington, Co. G. 43d 

Damon, Piam, Co. G. . . 43d 

Doane, Simeon K., Co. G. . 43d 

Davis, Joseph W., Co. G. . 43d 

Ellms, William, Co. G. . . 43d 

Eaton, Shepard F., Co. G. . 43d 

Fennoe, James A., Co. G. . 43d 

Fuller, Henry E., Co. G. . 43d 

Foster, Lorenzo D., Co. G. 43d 

Gamnon, Horatio H., Co. G. 43d 
26* 



Reg't. 

Gurney, James S., Co. G. . 43d 

Gray, Joshua S., Co. G. . 43d 

Hallett, Chas. G., jr., Co. G. 43d 

Hobart, Jolm T., Co. G. . 43d 

Heriey, Patrick, Co. G. . . 43d 

Hook, Charles O., Co. G. . 43d 

Hughes, Robert J., Co. G. . 43d 

Harville, Elisha, Co. G. . . 43d 

Hunt, Edward G., Co. G. . 43d 

Hunt, Joseph W., Co. G. . 43d 

Joyce, Leander R., Co. G. . 43d 

Kennedy, Hugh, Co. G. . . 43d 

Kennev, E. Frank, Co. G. . 43d 

Lane, Josiah W., Co. G. . 43d 

Lane, Gustavus E., Co. G. 43d 

Lewis, George H., Co. G. . 43d 

Lowell, Henry IL, Cd. G. . 43d 

Loud, Samuel M., Co. G. . 43d 

Lane, Charles H., Co. G. . 43d 

Lane, Everett, Co. G. . . 43d 

McMorrow, Michael, Co. G. 43d 

Merritt, Joseph B., Co. G. . 43d 

Mitchell, Robert, Co. G. . 43d 

McMorrow, John, Co. G. . 43d 

MuUuly, James, Co. G. . . 43d 

Mansur, Andrew J., Co. G. 43d 

*0'Connell, James, Co. G. 43d 

O'Connell, Cornelius, Co. G. 43d 

Phillips. G. B., jr., Co. G. 43d 

Pool, Wm. W., Co. G. . . 43d 

Payne, Elbridge, Co. G. . 43d 

Pool, Lysander, Co. G. . . 43d 

Rush, John, Co. G. . . . 43d 

Rogers, Andrew, Co. G. . 43d 

Randall, Anson B., Co. G. . 43d 

Studley, George S., Co. G. 43d 

SulUvan, Daniel F., Co. G. 43d 



306 



THE SOUTHERN REBELLION. 



Reg't. 

Sullivan, Eugene, Co. G. . 43cl 

Shaw, M. Eoland, Co. G. . 43d 

Stoddard, David, Co. G. . 48d 

Stoddard, Geo. W., Co. G. 43d 

Shaw, Otis R., Co. G. . . 43d 

Shurtleff, Sol. H., Co. G. . 43d 

Smith, Zenas, Co. G. . . 43d 

Studly, Andrew H., Co. G. 43d 

Studley, James B., Co. G. . 43d 

Soule, Josiah, jr., Co. G. . 43d 

Turner, Lutlier Yv^., Co. G. 43d 

Tower, James A., Co. G. . 43d 

Warner, Henry, Co. G. . . 43d 

Wheeler, Daniel G., Co. G. 43d 

Walker, Wm. M., Co. G. . 43d 

Weatherbee, J. M., Co. G. 43d 

Wheeler, E. H., Co. G. . . 43d 

. Whiting, Anson V., Co. G. 43d 

Warne, Joseph B., Co. G. . 43d 

Bly, Charles F 43d 

Hobart, Alonzo C. ... 43d 

Lane, Andrew 55th 

Alden, Jared, Co. E. . . 4th 

Alden, John, Co. E. . . . 4th 

Atwood, Samuel S., Co. E. 4th 

*Bates, Solon, Co. E. . . 4th 

Beals, Josiah, Co. E. . . 4th 

Brown, Henry L., Co. E. . 4th 

Bates, Jacob P., Co. E, . . 4th 

Clark, Michael, Co. E. . . 4th 

Conant, Albion, Co. E. . . 4th 

Corthell, Wendall G., Co. E. 4th 

Conry, Bartley, Co. E. . . 4th 

Conry, James, Co. E. . . 4th 

Conry, Luke, Co. E. . . 4th 

Cook, Isaac, Co. E. . . . 4th 

Dunbar, Volney H., Co. E. 4th 

*Daley, Daniel, Co. E. . . 4th 

*Duncan, Jason, Co. E. . . 4th 

French, Francis M., Co. E. 4th 

Ford, Wilson, Co. E. . . 4th 

Glover, Cyrus J., Co. E. . 4th 



Reg't. 

Galvin, Thomas, Co. E. . 4th 

Gurney, William, Co. E. . 4th 

Greene, Henry S., Co. E. . 4th 

*Hutchinson, J. B., Co. E. 4th 

Hunt, Ward, Co. E. . . , 4th 

Harding, Morton E., Co. E. 4th 

Harding, Geo. G., Co. E. . 4th 

Humble, Henry, Co. E. . 4th 

Harding. Wm. H., Co. E. . 4th 

Hayes, Edward, Co. E. . . 4th 

Howland, Charles W., Co. E. 4th 

Howard. Charles M., Co. E. 4th 

Jones, William, Co. E. . . 4th 

Keran, James, Co. E. . . 4th 

Lincoln, James P., Co. E. . 4th 

Longreen, Frank, Co. E. . 4th 

Longley, George, Co. E. . 4th 

Lincoln, Wm. W., Co. E. . 4th 

Leavitt, Peter M., Co. E. . 4th 

*Luddy, Michael, Co. E. . 4th 

Maloy, John, Co. E. . . . 4th 

Morse, George A., Co. E. . 4th 

Millett, Charles A., Co. E. 4th 

Noj'es, Merrit, Co. E. . . 4th 

Penniman, Lewis P., Co. E. 4th 

Parmenter, John, Co. E. . 4th 

Pearson. George H., Co. E. 4th 

Reed, Clinton W., Co. E. . 4th 

*Robbins, W. H., Co. E. . 4th 

Ryan. William, Co. E. . . 4th 

Reed, Cyrus. Co. E. . . . 4th 

Reed, Aaron A., Co. E. . . 4th 

Sharp, Alfred, Co. E. . . 4th 

*Sullivan, John, Co. E. . . 4th 

*Shaw, Charles, 2d, Co. E. 4th 

Sprowl, John W., Co. E. . 4th 

Soule, Lewis, Co. E. . . . 4tli 

*Whitmarsh, T. A., Co. E. 4tli 

West, Henry M., Co. E. . 4th 

Wright, George H., Co. E. 4th 

Vining, William R., Co. E. 4th 



RECRUITS MUSTERED INTO THE UNITED STATES SERVICE FOR 

THREE YEARS. (From the Report of the Selectmen for 
1864-65.) 



Reg't. 

Harris, John H 54th 

*Means, Emsley B. . . . 54th 
Alden, John . . . . 1st H. A. 
Bresingham, John W. 1st H. A. 
Daniels, Wm. H. . . 1st H. A. 
Farrar, Lucian W. R. 1st H. A. 



♦Foster, John A. 
Hall, Alonzo 
Hall, Ichabod G. 
Hooker, Joseph E. 
Leach, Conrad H. 
Lincoln, James P. 



Reg't. 
1st H. A. 
1st H. A. 
1st H. A. 
1st H. A. 
1st H. A. 
1st H. A. 



THE SOUTHERN REBELLION. 



307 



*Orcutt, Lowell W. 
Penniman, James . 
Reed, George B. . 
Sprague, Seth C. R 
Turner, George W. 
Hayes, John . . . 
Lane, Gustaviis E. 
Stndley, John A. E 
Birmingham, Richar 
liateli,\Tohn T. . 
Russell, Benj., jr. 
Snell, Samuel L. . 
SncU, Samuel L., jr. 
Stoddard, David . 
Stoddard, John F. 
Arnold, Wm. B. . 
Baldwin, James S. 
Blanehard, Wm. B. 
Chubbuck, Charles H 
Churchill, Millard F 
Damon, Piam . . 
Ford, Cliarles E. . 
Johnson, John A. . 
Jones, Christopher B 
Loomis, George H. 
IMuUaly, James 
*Quigley. John L. 
Rand, Wm. H. 
*Stetson, Charles E. 
Stevens, Charles L. 
Wiginton, James C. 
Browne, Charles . 
Jordan, Gadlin 
*Ward, Randall . 
Snooks, John G. R. 
Sherman, Thomas B 
Loftis, Martin. R. 
Smith, James G. R. 
Huttes, John . . 
Fuller, Thomas. R. 
JNIeiggs, Wm. J. R. 
Atwood, Timothy S. 
Gould, Oscar . . 
Leavitt, Charles J. ] 
Lovett, Benj. F. . 
Fay, William . • 
Fuller, Isaac A. . 
. Metcalf, Cyrus E. . 
Young, Charles B. . 
Conners, Patrick. R 
Eiplejs George W. ] 
Keen, Charles J. R. 
Griffin, Michael 
Wood, Benjamin F. 



Reg't. 

1st H. A. 

1st H. A. 

1st H. A. 

IstH. A. 

1st H. A. 

2d H. A. 

2d H. A. 

IstCav. 

, 3d Cav. 

, 3d Cav. 

. 3d Cav. 

3d Cav. 

3d Cav. 

3d Cav. 

. 3d Cav. 

4th Cav. 

4th Cav. 

4th Cav. 

4th Cav. 

4th Cav. 

4th Cav. 

4th Cav. 

4th Cav. 

4th Cav. 

4th Cav. 

4th Cav. 

4th Cav. 

4th Cav. 

4th Cav. 

4th Cav. 

, 4th Cav. 

5tli Cav. 

, 5th Cav. 

, 5th Cav. 

. 2d Cav. 

. 7th 

, 11th 

, 12th 

. 12th 

, 18th 

. 18th 

. 23d 

, 23d 

. 23d 

. 23d 

. 24th 

. 24th 

. 24th 

. 24th 

. 28th 

, 30th 

. 32d 

. 4Gth 

. 55th 





Reg't. 


Barry, Michael . . . 


. . 5Gth 


Coy, George .... 


. . 6Gth 


Downy, Dennis . . . 


. . 5Gth 


Everson, Darius . . 


. . 56th 


Lawless, James . . 


. . 5Gth 


Loud, Samuel M. . . 


. . 5Gth 


McGill, Alexander 


. . 56th 


Mullen, Michael . . 


. . 5Gth 


Waters, James . . . 


. . 56th 


Whitney, Hiram L. . 


. . 5(;th 


Whitney, William L. . 


. . 56th 


Miller, Wallace T. . 


. . 57th 


Caswell, George A. . 


. . 58th 


*Fernald, Benj. W. . 


. . 58th 


Graham, William . 


. . 58th 


*Reed, Nathaniel L. . 


. . 58th 


Reed, Samuel B. . . 


. . 58th 


Willis, Benjamin . . 


. . 5Sth 


Canners, Thomas . . 


. . 5Dth 


Foly, Cornelius . . 


. . 59th 


Foster, Alonzo T. . . 


. . 50th 


Hayes, James . . . 


. . 5'Jth 


Ileland, Morgan . . 


. . 5'Jth 


Kennedy, Patrick J. . 


. . 59th 


Lydcn, Daniel . . . 


. . 59th 


McCarty, Dennis . . 


. . 59th 


Bly, Charles F. . . . 


N. C. 3 


Wheeler, Elijah H. . . 


N. C. 3 


Meaney, Timothy. R. . 


. 17th 


Beal, Bradford W. R. 


. 20th 


Bennett, Charles . . . 


. 33d 


Addition, Otis R. . . . 


. S. C. 


Bates, Watson . . . . 


. S. C. 


Blanehard, Benj. S. . . 


. S. C. 


Brown, George A. . . 


. S. C. 


Brown, Henry H. . . 


. s. c. 


Cobb, Dana 


. s. c. 


♦Crocker, Timothy W. . 


. s. c. 


Gushing, Wm. H. . . . 


. s. c. 


Everson, Levi T. . . . 


. s. c. 


Harding, Edward C. . . 


. s. c. 


Hathaway, Thomas H. . 


. s. c. 


Holbrook, Nathaniel 0. . 


. s. c. 


Hook, Charles 0. . . . 


. s. c. 


Meserve, Solomon . . 


. s. c. 


Morse, Job L 


. s. c. 


Nelson, Cyrus . . . . 


. s. c. 


Noyes, Ephraim L. . . 


. s. c. 


Packard, Charles W. 


. B.C. 


Pool, Henry C. . . . 


. s. c. 


Pratt, Samuel L. . . 


. s. c. 


Raymond, Walter E. 


. s. c. 


Robbins, Loring . . . 


. s. c. 


Eobbins, Thaddeus P. . 


. s. c. 



308 



THE SOUTHERN REBELLION. 



Sanborn, Joseph S. . . . S. C. 
*Sullivan, John . . . . S. C. 
Chiton, Henry . 4th Co. H. A. 
Johnson, Jacob, jr. lOth Co. 11. A. 
Corkery, Daniel . 8th Co. H. A. 
Shaw, Francis M. . . 9th B'y. 
Sheean, Michael . . . 9th B'y. 
Stetson, Henry ... 3(1 B'y. 
*01dham, Walter S. . IGth B'y. 
Ford, Benjamin F. . . IGth B'y. 
Gurney, Francis M. R. 18th B'y. 
Birmingliam, M. R. 3d Co. H. A. 

Bowles, Wni. A Band. 

Murray, Cyrus D. . . . Band. 
Nash, Francis H. ... Band. 
Packard, Hiram F. . . . Band. 



Steurdefant. Geo. E. . 

Turner, Nathan . . . 

Kelly, Thomas . . . 

Coran, Michael . . . 

Beal, Franklin . . U. 

Fleming, Peter. R. U. 

Foley, Edward, substitute 
for J. E. French. 

Wheeler, Charles H. sub- 
stitute for E. P. Torry. 

McCart}', Felix, substi- 
tute for Jefi^'son Shaw. 

Holland, John, substitute 
for Charles H. Dill. 

Leroux, Lewis, substitute 
for R. J. Lane. 



. Band. 
. Band. 
. Navy. 
. Navy. 
S. O. C. 
S. 3d A. 

> Navy. 

> Navy, 

> Navy. 

> Navy. 

> Army. 



Below is the result of the Draft, as contained in the report 
of the Selectmen for 1863 — 64. It certainly makes a very 
small show. 

LIST OF MEN DRAFTED FROM ABINGTON, JULY 20, 1863. 

The following persons entered the service of the United 
States: A. J. Gushing, August 22, 1863; B. B. Stoddard, 
September 14, 1863 : E. M. Brooks, September 14, 1863. 

The following persons procured substitutes : — 



James E. Smith. 
Samuel Norton, jr. 
Samuel N. Cox. 
Charles H. Hunt. 
Joshua F. Ames. 
Samuel D. Moore. 
Albert Culver. 
William W. Fish. 
William H. Reed. 
Alonzo Lane. 
Marcus A. Darling. 



George A. Brown. 
Arioch A. Thompson. 
Henry B. Dyer. 
Freeman Foster, jr. 
Charles Manly. 
Jeremiah Kallaher. 
Henry D. Noyes. 
Seavey T. Chandler. 
Gideon Tirrell. 
Elbridge L. Fickett. 
John W. Hunt. 



The following persons paid $300 commutation : — 



Samuel R. Stoddard. 
Philip W. Pratt. 
Henry C. Buck. 
Julius C. Gilbert. 
Gardner C. Peirce. 
Enos E. Whiting. 
Solomon Meserve. 
Noah Shaw. 
Edward Chamberlin, 



2d. 



John W. Beal. 
Dennis McCarty. 
Henry Noyes. 
John Rouke. 
Sylvanus M. Nash. 
Henry W. Pool. 
William P. Nason. 
Allen Blackman. 



THE SOUTHERN REBELLION. 



309 



Recruits for One Yearns Service^ Received Toion Bounty^ $125, 
Citizens' Bounty, $175; Total, $300. 



SECOND REGIMENT HEAVY ARTILLERY 1864. 



Beal, Jataes P. 
Burbank, E. Walter 
Bates, James C. 
Burrill, John, 2d. 
Campbell, Peter 
Condon, John 
Donavan, Charles 
Donavan, Henry 
Gloyd, Spencer 
Gerny, Wesley 
Judkins, James O. 
Keron, James 
Looby, Jeremiah 
Lane, Joseph W. 
Lewellyn, William 
Murphy, James 
O'Connell, James 
O'Donavan, Daniel 



Pool, Joseph W. 
Prouty, Henry H. 
Pliillips, Nathaniel 
Reed, Frederick 
Eeed, Nahum A. 
Reed, Edward S. 
Russell, Jeremiah 
Studley, James B. 
Shea, Jeremiah 
Snell, Nathaniel B. 
Studly, William A. 
Studly, Nahum F. 
Sampson, Peleg W. 
Shaw, Brackly W. 
Toomey, Andrew C. 
Walker, William T. 
Young, Frederick L. 



THIRD REGIMENT HEAVY ARTILLERY 1864. 



Thompson, Guy L. 
Wheeler, Howard A. 
Wheeler, George F. 
Turner, Luther W. 
.Vining, John Q. 
Hebbard, John C. 
Murphy, James 
McQueeny, James 
McMorrow, John 
Keene, Samuel P. 
Forbes, William 
Eustice, Thomas F. 
Gushing, Urban W. 
Bicknell, William H. 
Curtis, Charles H. 
Hutchins, Charles T. 



English, John 
Churchill, John S. 
Birmingham, Michael 
Arnold, William D. 
Estes, Elijah 
Simmons, Jonathan J. 
Hunt, Horace M. 
Macken, John 
Studly, Reuben W. 
Studly, George S. 
Chandler, Julius B. 
Chandler, Edward E. 
Macken, James 
Hatch, John H. 
Pool, Ludo A. 
Smith, Albert 



VARIOUS BODIES. 



Damon, Washintrton, 1st B. H. A. 
Wheeler, John W. 1st B. H. A. 
Wheeler, Daniel G. 1st B. H. A. 
Grover, Almon F. 1st B. H. A. 
Lewis, Jolm F. . 20th Co. H. A. 



Hollis, Edwin F. . 23d Co. H. A. 
Colson, Charles E. 23d Co. H. A. 

Ellis, Obed H 1st B'y. 

Smith, John H. . . . 1st B'y. 



MiUett, George L. 



1st B'y. 



310 



THE SOUTHERN REBELLION. 



Blanchard, Joseph 
Ellnis, William . . 
Curtis, Edmond B. 
Thonies, David . . 
Hobart, Jolin T. 
Gurncy, James V. . 
Lincoln, William W. 
Nash, AVilliam H. . 
Nash, Sylvanus M. 
Birmingham, Michael 



Bat'y- 
. 2d 
. 2d 
. 2d 
. 2d 
. 2d 
. 9th 
. 9th 
. 9th 
. 9th 
. loth 



Foly, Patrick 
Hcrlehy, Timothy 
Lee, James . . 
Bates, Napoleon B. 
Pease, William H. 
Driscoll, Timothy , 
Galven, Thomas 
*Green, Henry S. 
Cook, Bartlctt . 
Douglass, John C. 



Bat'y, 
. lOtk 
. lOtl 
. 10th 
Navy. 
Navy. 
Navy. 

. 9th B'y. 

. 4th Cav 
24th Un. Co. 

. Infantry. 



Mustered into service, in 20th Unattached Company Mas- 
sachusetts Infantry, for one year's service. Town bounty, 
$125.00 ; subscription bounty, $50.00. Total bounty, 
$175.00. 

Mustered into the Service, November 19, 1864. 



Allen, Bela, jr. 
Beary, James 
Beary, John 
Bisbee, Joseph F. 
Brown, Gilbert 
Briggs, Walter C. 
Costello, John 
Conrey, John 
Chamberlin, Francis B. 
Chamberlin, Isaac 
Fisher, E. Irving 
Ford, Thomas 
Ford, John 
Fuller, Thomas G. 
French, Isaac R. 
Gould, Henry 
Green, John 
Gurney, John F. 
Harding, Charles W. 
Hallett, Charles G. jr. 
Harding, Henry C. 
Harding, Noah T. 
Harding, John A. 
Hays, Kobert 
Hern, John A. 
Lindsey, Martin A. 
Lincoln, Rufus W. 
McCarty, Callilian 



Morse, Jarius J. 
McCarty, John 
O'Brine, James 
O'Marra, Francis 
Page, Samuel A. 
Phillips, Thomas 
Pool, Hiram 
Roles, George 
Randall, John 
Reymond, Winslow 
Rowe, Zaclieus 
Sharp, Oliver M. 
Soule, Samuel P. 
Stewart, John E., jr. 
Stetson, Oliver 
Sprague, Lucius A. 
Vining, William R. 
Wade, Henry M. 
Witt, Clark 
Witherell, Eben A. 
Witherell, Otis F. 
Wilder, James 
White, Francis 
West, John M. 
Wright, George H. 
Whitmarsh, Thomas A. 
Whiting, Charles H. W. 



THE SOUTHERN REBELLION. 



311 



Company A, QOth Begiment, 31. V. 31., One Hundred Days* 
Men, 3Iustered into Service July 14, 18G4 ; 3Iustered out of 
Service November 30, 1864. 



Josiah Soule, jr., Captain. 
Joseph B. Warne, 1st Lieutenant. 
Bruinard Gushing, 2cl Lieutenant. 
Joseph B. Merritt, Sergeant. 
Alexander Blaisdell, Sergeant. 
James II. Burrill, Sergeant. 
Charies M. Burrill, Sergeant. 
Elisha Ilarvcll, Sergeant. 
Bcnj. A. Burrill, Corporal. 
Otis R. Shaw, Corporal. 
Elza Baldwin, Corporal. 
William IJ. Groce, Corporal. 
George K. Hunt, Corporal- 
Joseph S. Turner, Corporal. 
Henry A. Baker, 2d, Corporal. 
Elias A. Burrill. 
Nathan A. Beal. 
Francis H. Chubbuck. 
Phillip Cobbett. 
Phillip Cobbett, jr. 
George Curtis. 
George E. Curtis. 
Lemuel F. Clark. 
Edward E. Coin. 
Patrick Donavan. 
John S. Dunn. 
Wilson Doane. 
Michael Driscoll. 
Shepard F. Eaton. 
*James A. Fennoe. 
Thomas Foster. 
William Fairbanks. 
William H. Gurney. 



Willard Gurney. 
Nahum A. Gurney. 
Isaac M. Harrington. 
William H. Hebbard. 
Quincy Holbrook, 2d. 
Edward G. Hunt. 
David Holbrook. 
Nathan S. Jenkins. 
Lemuel Jenkins. 
David Jacobs, jr. 
Hugh Kennedy. 
Elijah F. Kenney. 
Herbert M. Loud. 
Elihu B. Lowell. 
William Mitchell. 
Patrick Mead. 
Joseph Morris. 
David T. Phillips. 
Gideon B. Phillips, jr. 
Eugene C. Pool. 
Charles H. Pool. 
Henry T. Roachfort. 
Cornelius Sullivan. 
William Sisk. 
Walter B. Studly. 
William B. Seavy. 
Edwin S. Tirrell, jr. 
Bernard Valedge. 
Horace W. Washburn. 
Piura A. Whiting. 
Theron W. Whitman. 
Samuel M. Watts. 



Bon of the 20th Unattached Company, 3Tassachitsetts Volunteer 
3Iilitia, with Rank. — 3Iustered in August 11, 1864; 3Ius- 
tered out November 18, 1864. 



Lewis Soule, Captain. 

Jerome Washburn, 2d Lieutenant. 

William R. Vining, Sergeant. 

Alfred Sharp, Sergeant. 

Seth D. Reed, Sergeant. 



Gilbert Brown, Corporal. 
Clinton W. Reed, Corporal. 
Nahum Pool, Musician. 
Bela Alden, jr. 
Henry D. Bearse. 



312 



THE SOUTHERN REBELLION. 



S. Ne^v-ton Blake. 
Davis M. Cook. 
Lucius Cook. 
James Conroy. 
Luke Conroy. 
Henry Dunham, 2d. 
Albert F. Fairbanks. 
Thomas G. Fuller. 
Jason B. Hersey. 
Jerome A. Holbrook. 
Isaac Hill. 
Edward Kingsley. 
James F. Maconney. 



Calvin Oreutt. 
James W. Peterson. 
Julian Pool. 
William W. Pool. 
Samuel W. Reed. 
Warren W. Sampson. 
Elbridge S. Sharp. 
Henry N. Shaw. 
Lucius A. Sprague. 
Nelson Sylvester. 
Joshua Thorp. 
Thomas A. Whitmarsh. 
George H. Wright. 



Naval Men Enlisted from Ahington. 



Barry, David F. 
Beal, George E. 
Bennett, Setli W. jr. 
Bennett, Benjamin V. 
Campbell, James 
Cushing, William H. 
Claxton, Robert 
DriscoU, Timothy 
Hathaway, George 
Hathaway, Thomas 
Jackson, Henry O. 
Lawless, James 
Lynch, James 



McGuire, James 
Nash, Elmer H. 
Nash, Francis A. 
Noyes, Ephraim L. 
Ripley, Joseph 
Ripley, Edwin 
Robbins, Loring 
Russell, George H. 
Saunders, Edward 
Thorillet, Peter 
Trott, Thomas 
Washburn, Ezra E. 



In the report of the Selectmen for 1864-65 is found also a 
list of fifty-nine soldiers, recruited at Boston in April, 1864, 
for three years' service, and paid each $125 Town Bounty, and 
$75 Citizens' Bounty. The names of these I do not give ; 
and what was paid them as bounty is also embraced in a 
statement of the amount paid by the town as bounty for 
recruits. 

There is also in the same report a list of forty-three naval 
men for one year, and of forty-four for three years, who are 
entered as " credited to the State at large, but assigned to 
Abington. " This list is also omitted ; because it does not 
appear that*hey are Abington men. 



RECAPITULATION. 

Drafted men ..... 
Number that procured substitutes 
Three months' men .... 



3 

22 
67 



THE SOUTHERN REBELLION. 



313 



Nine months' men 

One hundred days' men 

Three years' men 

One year's men . 

Navy men .... 

Number that paid commutation of $300 

Recruits procured at Boston and elsewhere 

Naval men credited to this town . 



157 

101 

567 

152 

26 

17 

63 

87 



This town has acted with commendable promptness in 
filling her several quotas ; and all requisitions to the present 
time are filled. 

In the last report of the Selectmen I find a very inter- 
esting table headed as follows : — 



COMMISSIONED OFFICERS 



Frcni Ahington, in the United States Service, 


dun 


Sehellion, to 


January 1, 1865. 




The table embraces — 






Lieutenant-Colonels 




2 


Majors 




. 3 


Captains . 




11 


First Lieutenants . 




. 5 


Second Lieutenants 




12 



the 



Total . 



. 33 



I will give them in detail, with their rank, regiment, and 
company. 



Everett Lane, Major, 43d Regiment. 
Josiah Soule, jr.. Captain Co. G, 43d Regiment. 
Lysander Pool, 1st Lieutenant Co. G-, 43d Regiment. 
Joseph B. "Warne, 2d Lieutenant Co. G, 43d Regiment. 
Lewis Soule, Captain Co. E, 4th Regiment. 
Henry Humble, 1st Lieutenant Co. E, 4th Regiment. 
27 



314 THE SOUTHERN REBELLION. 

John Maloy, 2(1 Lieutenant Co. E, 4th Regiment. 

Ira Blanchard, Captain Co. G, 12th Regiment. 

Edward P. Reed, Major 12th Regiment, 3 years' service. 

L. Francis Cushing, 1st Lieutenant Co. G, 12th Regiment. 

"William B. White, Lieutenant-Colonel, 18th Regiment. 

Lewis Reed, Captain, 54th Regiment. 

Moses N. Arnold, Captain Co. G, 12th Regiment. 

Marcus M. Loud, 2d Lieutenant Co. G, 12th Regiment. 

F. Alvarez Nash, 1st Lieutenant, 3d Regiment. 

Timothy Reed, Captain Co. — , 38th Regiment. 

J. W. Brown, 2d Lieutenant, Signal Corps. 

Franklin P. Harlow, Lieutenant-Colonel, 7th Regiment. 

Charles F. Allen, Major, 38th Regiment. 

Ansell B. Randall, 2d Lieutenant Co. — , 56th Regiment. 

Henry B. Peirce, Captain, 23d Regiment. 

George W. Reed, Captain Co K, 7th Regiment. 

Dan. Packard, Captain Co. — , 7th Regiment. 

William H. Gurney, Captain Co. — , 7th Regiment. 

Wright Bisbee, Captain Co. — , 7th Regiment. 

John C. Bosworth, 2d Lieutenant, 7tli Regiment. 

Thomas B. Atwood, 2d Lieutenant, 23d Regiment. 

Jerome Washburn, 2d Lieutenant Co. — , 38th Regiment. 

Luke B. Noyes, jr., 2d Lieutenant Co. K, 7th Regiment. 

Timothy S. Atwood, 2d Lieutenant, 23d Regiment. 

James E. Bates, 1st Lieutenant, 38th Regiment. 

Joseph W. Caton, 2d Lieutenant, 38th Regiment. 

W. B. Seavy, 2d Lieutenant, 62d Regiment. 

A few items from the town reports will here be added, 
going to show the part the town has taken in suppressing the 
rebellion, pecuniarily. 

STATE AID. 

The whole amount paid as State aid to the families of 
soldiers during the civil Avar, thus far, is $84,981.97. Of this 
amount, $10,036.35 is reported by the Selectmen in 1861 ; 
$18,975.77, in 1862; $21,622.14, in 1863; $21,891.78, in 
1864 ; and $12,455.93, in 1865. 



THE SOUTHERN REBELLION. 



815 



To this amount may be added the following sums : Town 
aid to deceased soldiers' families in 1865, $265.71 ; expenses 
for reception given soldiers and sailors, $2,729.01. 



BOUNTIES. 

The whole amount paid as bounty in this 

town, including town and citizens', is 
Amount of bounty paid by citizens 
Amount paid to February, 1863 
From Feb. 1863, to Feb. 1864 . 
From Feb. 1864, to Feb. 1865 



$102,490 27 

24,810 74 

38,019 56 

534 97 

63,935 74 



The following is from tlie Town Report for 1866 : — 
War Expenditures from April, 1861, to Feb. 1, 1866. 
Total amount of State aid paid during the war, 

from April, 1861, to Feb. 1, 1866 . . . . $85,99197 
Total amount of bounties paid by the town from 

April, 1861, to Feb. 1, 1866 80,600 00 

Total amount of recruiting expenses from April, 

1861, to Feb. 1, 1866 3,048 50 



$169,640 47 
Deduct bounties reimbursed from 

State and Towns $31,800 00 

Deduct amount received from the 

State for recruiting .... 1,587 51 

Deduct what has been received 
and by estimation what will be 
received from State for State 
aid, say 82,997 97—8116,385 48 

Total .net expense of the war which has been 

paid by the town $53,254 99 

Total amount of bounties paid by individual sub- 
scription from April, 1861, to Feb. 1, 1866, 
about* $24,000 00 



* It maj' not be inappropriate here to give a few figures in relation 
to tlie amount of internal revenue collected in this Town in the years 
1863. 1864, and 1865. 



316 THE SOUTHERN BEBELLION. 

The number of names in the foregoing lists, with stars 
against them, is seventy-seven. If we bear in mind that some 
of the companies that have been enlisted have never been 
called into the field, and consequently have experienced few, 
if any, casualties, we shall arrive at the conclusion that about 
one-tenth part of those from this town who have actually been 
engaged with the enemy, have fallen. The ranks of these 
have been literally decimated. 

From statements recently made by authority, this appears to 
be about the proportion of deaths in the whole army. 

It is a remarkable fact in relation to Co. E, 4th Regiment, 
which was among the very first to go to the war, and with 
some account of whose term of service of three months this 
chapter commenced, that every one of them returned safe 
home when the three months expired. * And though more 
casualties occurred in this Company during the nine months 
service at the South, of the 4th Regiment, on its re-enlistment, 
yet the number does not appear to be large, considering the 
very trying nature of the climate of Louisiana to Northei'u 
constitutions, and the great exposure of life at the siege and 
capture of Port Hudson, in which this regiment participated. 

An interesting case of the wound of a young man from this 
town at the time of the assault, by General Banks, upon Port 
Hudson, is furnished by his father, Mr. J. N. Noyes, and is 
here given. 

The amount collected the first of these years is . . $75,405 51 
The amount collected the second of these years . . 109,206 84 
The amount collected the third of these years . . 209,784 33 

Whole amount for three years and three months . . 4GG,552 G6 
Of this amount, the firm of Jenkins, Lane & Sons paid 
$81,798.G8, which sum is about double the total for 
the towns of Hanson and Hanover for the same time, 
(thirty-nine months,) wliich is .... 41,469 GS 

* "What is still more remarkable is stated of the 3d Regiment, which 
went also to Fortress Monroe about the same time with the 4th. It is 
recorded in the Massachusetts Register for 1862, that '■'■every soldier 
and officer of the three tnonths' companies of the 3d Regiment returned ; 
none having ever been wounded, excepting two or three slightly, by 
accident. " 



THE SOUTHERN REBELLION, ETC. 317 

Merritt Noyes, of Co. E, 4th Regiment Massachusetts 
YoUmteers, was wounded near the knee, before Port Hudson. 
An examination by surgeons failed to discover the ball. He 
was able, however, to join the regiment before its return home, 
and was discharged, with the regiment, at Lakeville. 

The wound still continued troublesome ; and examinations 
by distinguished surgeons led to the decision that it would very 
probably prove troublesome until the ball was removed ; and, 
after the ball had remained in the limb nearly eighteen months, 
it Avas extracted at the Massachusetts General Hospital, by 
the skilful and justly celebrated surgeon. Professor Bigelow. 
The ball was found to be nearly two-thirds of a minnie. 
Entire recovery is now confidently expected. 

Several soldiers from this town have died in rebel prisons. 
Among them are James Albert Osborne and James McGuire, 
who died of starvation, at Salisbury, N. C, January 23d, 
1865. 



CHAPTER XXXVI. 



Southern Rebellion, continued. — Co-operation of the Ladies. 

A VERT inadequate idea would be obtained of what has 
been done in our town to aid the country in its present struggle, 
if what has been done by the ladies Avere omitted. Though 
their Avoman's nature is not suited to meet the shock of battle 
on the tented field, there is much call for many services which 
none can do as well as they ; and it may with truth be said, 
that they have not been behind the other sex in rendering 
the services in their power. 

At my request the secretaries of the various societies in the 
town for the aid and comfort of our brave soldiers in the field, 
have kindly furnished me Avith some account of their various 
doings and contributions. These are subjoined. 
27* 



31§ THE SOUTHERN REBELLION, ETC. 

Ladies' Union Aid Society of Centre Abington. 

This society was organized at Fountain Hall, April 23, 
1861, and the following Constitution was adopted : — 

Whereas, A portion of the United States of America have 
taken up arms against the General Government, and initiated 
a civil war ; and 

Whereas, This war affects the whole nation, and many of 
the young men of Abington, with thousands of others in our 
beloved Commonwealth, have been called to defend the great 
interests of this nation, needing the aid and encouragement of 
us for whose protection they expose their lives ; 

Therefore, We, the ladies of Centre Abington, appreciating 
the patriotic services of our soldiers, do, on this 23d day of 
April, 1861, form ourselves into a society /or the purpose of 
giving aid and comfort to those soldiers who have been, or may 
be, called into the service of our country ; and adopt the 
following 

CONSTITUTION. 

Article 1. This society shall be called The Ladies' Union 
Aid Society. 

Art. 2. As the object of this society is to aid and comfort 
our soldiers, any lady who shall contribute to our cause, either 
in money or labor, shall be considered a member. 

Art. 3. The officers of this society shall be a President, 
Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and twelve Directors. 

Art. 4. This board of officers shall have the direction and 
oversight of the work, appoint the time and place of meeting, 
and have the general management of the society. 

Our first work was on forty-eight flannel and one hundred 
and twenty cotton shirts for government, under the direction 
of Mrs. Josiah Quincy, jr., as we had then no funds in the 
treasury. 

Collectors were then appointed, and about $40 were re- 
ceived through their agency, and expanded in materials for 
filling a box, which was sent to o\xv first, and then only company 



THE SOUTHERN REBELLION, ETC. 319 

of soldiers in the United States service, — Co. E., Fourth 
Massachusetts Regiment, under command of Capt. Charles F. 
Allen, and stationed at Fortress Monroe, Va. 

During the three years and eleven months since we com- 
menced work, we have received contributions in money from 
the pupils of the public schools, from the First Congregational 
Society, from Rev. Frederic R. Abbe, and many other individ- 
uals, amounting, in all, to $429.81. 

Hospital stores, and materials for clothing, bandages, &c., 
&c., we are constantly receiving from various sources ; and 
many ladies, who have never met with us, have been con- 
stantly at work for the same object, or for our assistance. 

We have also received the benefit of two concerts and two 
lectures. 

One barrel of hospital stores has been sent to the Christian 
Commission, and one box to the " Harlow Guards," at Camp 
Brightwood. A large number of needle-books, towels, hand- 
kerchiefs, and " comfort bags," furnished with useful articles, 
have been given to soldiers leaving this town ; and nearly all 
of our woi'k, with these exceptions, has been forwarded to the 
army through the agency of the United States Sanitary 
Commission. 

Assisted other societies by making thirty-six Havelocks 
and nine flannel fatigue jackets for Abington soldiers in the 
Seventh and Twelfth Massachusetts Regiments. 

The following is a List of articles sent : — 
178 Sheets, 

6 Woollen Blankets. 
43 Quilts. 

3 Pillows. 

4 Pillow-Sacks. 

27 Pairs Pillow-Cases. 

4 Ring Cushions. 

5 Dressing Gowns. 
1 Palm Leaf Fan. 

310 Handkerchiefs. 
148 Cotton Shirts. 



32Q THE SOUTHERN REBELLION, ETC. 

6& Flannel Shirts. 

8 Cotton Flannel Undershirts. 
12 Pairs Cotton Flannel Drawers. 
47 Pairs Cotton Drawers. 
82 Towels. 

2 Pairs Pants. 
21 Bottles of Wine. 

8 Jars of Jelly. 

1 Jar of Pickles. 

4 Bottles of Ketchup. 

2 Boxes of Pens. 

2 Pairs of "Woollen Mittens. 
159 Pairs of Woollen Socks. 
163 Needle Books. 
166 Pin Flats. 
151 Comfort Bags. 

2 Pairs Scissors. 

6 Silver-plated Teaspoons. 

4 Barrels, and several packages Dried Apples. 

3 Bags of Cranberries. 

1 Package Dried Currants. 

6 Books, and large quantity of Pamphlets and 

Newspapers. 

Slippery Elm ; Soap ; Beeswax ; Stationery, and Postage 

Stamps ; Combs ; Lead Pencils ; Bandages ; Cotton and Linen 

Lint ; Balm of Gilead Liut, and several barrels old Cotton 

and Linen. 

The following ladies have been, or now are, officers of this 
Society : — 

Presidents. — Mrs. Judson N. Farrar. 
Mrs. Sarah B. Tarbell. 
Vice-Presidents. — Mrs. Jesse H. Giles. 
Mrs. James H. Harris 
Mrs. Albion P. Chase. 
Mrs. Henry A. Noyes. 



THE SOUTHERN REBELLION, ETC. 321 

Vice-Presidents. — Mrs. Bela T. Nash. 

Mrs. Nathaniel T. Hunt. 
Mrs. Henry M. Whitmarsh. 
Mrs. Joshua Whitmarsh, jr. 

Mrs. Oscar Gilbert. 
Secretaries. — Mrs. Dennis Powers. 

Mrs. Albion P. Chase. 

Miss Eliza B. Howland. 

Miss Susan M. Gushing. 

Miss Carrie F. Howland. 
7'reasurers. — Mrs. Frederic R. Abbe. 

Mrs. Dennis Powers. 

Miss Susan M. Gushing. 
Directors. — Mrs. Ezra Washburne. 
Mrs. John N. Noyes. 
Mrs. Sylvanus Gushing. 
Mrs. Albion P. Chase. 
Mrs. Lewis E. Noyes. 
Mrs. Henry A. Noyes. 
Mrs. Bela T. Nash. 
Mrs. George Cleverly. 
Mrs. Samuel B. Thaxter. 
Mrs. George W. Pratt. 
Mrs. Albert Ghamberlin. 
Mrs. Peter Talbot. 
Mrs. Griffen C. Reynolds. 
Mrs. Gridley T. Nash. 
Mrs. Freeman P. Howland. 
Miss Susan H. Giles. 
Miss Matilda S. Robbins. 
Mrs. Luther P. Martyn. 
Mrs. Edward Ghamberlin. 
Mrs. Elijah G. Morris. 
Mrs. Samuel R. Wales. 
Mrs. Cyrus L. Browne. 
Mrs. John T. Harris. 
Mrs. Henry H. Prouty. 



322 THE SOUTHERN REBELLION, ETC. 

Mrs. Dennis Powers was appointed Associate Manager of 
the New England Women's Auxiliary Association, December 
30, 1862. 

During the months of March and April, 1862, we held our 
meetings once in two weeks, and the rest of the time we have 
met every week, when not prevented by unpleasant weather. 

John Cutler Lodge gave us the free use of Masonic Hall, 
which we occupied for more than two years. We have also 
received an oifer of the gratuitous use of Templars' Hall 
from Adelphian Lodge, I. O. G. T., and Mrs. J. N. Farrar 
has kindly provided a place of meeting at her house, for more 
than one year, where Ave still continue our meetings. 

We regret to record so little as the result of many months' 
labor, but the number of working members has been small 
compared with the whole, and we rejoice that we have shared 
the privilege of doing something to alleviate the sufferings of 
the brave soldiers of the Union Army. If, through our 
humble efforts, a single life has been spared, the last hours of 
a dying soldier made happier, or the sufferings of the sick 
and wounded in any measure relieved, then our work has not 
been in vain. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Carrie F. Howland, Secretary. 
Abington, Mass., March 1, 1SG5. 

Ladies^ Union Aid Society of South Ahington. 

On the afternoon of April 12th, 1862, a few ladies met to 
consult upon the best means of rendering assistance to the 
suffering soldiers on the field and in the hospitals. Much 
interest was manifested, and a committee was appointed to 
decide upon a plan of organization, and draft a Constitution. 
They reported the following 

CONSTITUTION. 

Article 1. This Society shall be called The Ladies^ Union 
Aid Society of South Ahington. 



THE SOUTHERN REBELLION, ETC. 323 

Art. 2. As the object of this Society is to aid and comfort 
all those who, either on land or sea, are fighting for our 
country, any lady who shall contribute money or labor to our 
cause, and shall enroll her name as such, shall be considered a 
member. 

Art. 3. This Society shall be under the control of a Board 
of twelve Directresses, who shall, from their number, elect a 
President^ Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer ; and these 
shall hold their office for a term of six months. 

Art. 4. The Board of Directresses shall have the charge 
and oversight of all work ; make purchases, appoint the time 
and place of meeting, and have the general oversight of the 
business of the Society. 

Since the organization of the Society the following named 
persons have labored as Directresses : — 

President. — Miss Caroline H. Whitman. 
Vice-Presidents. — Mrs. Charles F. Allen and Miss Mary 
Whitmarsh. 

Secretaries. — Mrs. John Bosworth, Mrs. Ephraim Whit- 
man, and Mrs. H. M. Soule. 

Treasurers. — Mrs, A. S. Stetson. 

Miss II. E. Stetson. 

Mrs. Valentine Erskine. 

Mrs. Jacob Hersey. 

Mrs. Samuel Dyer. 

Mrs. Eben Woodsum. 

Mrs. Edwin Gurney. 

Mrs. J. W. Jenkins. 

Mrs. Nahum Reed. 

Mrs. John Mears. 

Mrs. Charles Gurney. 

Mrs. Joseph Reed. 

Mrs. Henry Fullerton. 

Mrs. John Maloy. 

Mrs. F. Harlow. 



324 THE SOUTHERN REBELLION, ETC. 

Treasurers. — Mrs. Horace Reed. 

Mrs. Noah Fullerton. 
Miss Ann Bonney. 
Miss Hannah Alden. 
Miss Mary Earle. 



The entire number of meetings held, eighty. The amount 
of money received is about $800, of which amount $734 have 
been expended ; leaving in the treasury $G6. The Society has 
labored for various objects, as their pressing necessities were 
presented. The United States Sanitary Commission has shared 
largely in its contributions, by far the greater proportion of 
its labors being expended in its behalf. To this Commission 
there have been sent, together with $20 in money, 20 bar- 
rels and 12 boxes, containing, in detail, 37 quilts ; 2 blankets ; 
144 sheets ; 391 cotton shirts ; 99 pairs drawers ; 26 dressing 
gowns ; 44 flannel shirts ; 192 pairs socks ; 44 pairs slippers ; 
66 pillow-slips ; 21 pillow sacks ; 2 bed sacks; 12 pillows; 
360 towels ; 552 handkerchiefs ; 43 yards new cotton ; 24 
pieces tape ; 2 dozen papers pins ; 1 pair scissors ; 4 barrels 
old cotton ; half barrel and 719 bandages; 24 comfort bags ; 4 
bushels dried apples ; 21 quarts blackberry syrup ; besides 
books, magazines, and newspapers. 

To the Christian Commission the Society has sent $35. 

To the Freedmen at Newburn, 51 shirts. 

To the Union Refugees at Nashville, 6 barrels of clothing. 

To Co. C, 38th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, 24 
pairs woollen gloves. 

Donations of money and material have been made by 
different persons, among whom may be named Rev. H. L. 
Edwards, Mr. Wm. H. Dunbar, Mr. Augustus Whitman, Mr. 
Samuel Blake, Mr. M. S. Stetson, Mr. A. S. Stetson, Mrs. 
Jared Whitman, and Miss Mary Whitmarsh. 

The above report is submitted as a correct statement of the 
labors of the Society, which, if not carried forward on so large 
a scale as by many of our sister societies, yet indicates 



THE SOUTHERN REBELLION, ETC. 325 

willing hearts and ready hands, which will not weary in well- 
doing. 

Augustine S. Whitjian, Secretary. 

Young Ladies^ Society of East Ahington. 

The young ladies of East Abington met January 13, 1864, 
and adopted the following 

CONSTITUTION. 

Article 1. This Society shall be called The Young Ladies' 
Soldiers' Aid Society of East Abington. 

Art. 2. The officers shall consist of a President, Vice- 
President, Secretary, Treasurer, and six Directors. 

The duty of the Secretary shall be to keep a list of the 
members present, the amount of work done, and shall report 
the same once in three months. 

Art. 3. The meetings of the Society shall be holden weekly, 
at places to which they may be invited. 

Art. 4. Appropriations to specific objects shall be deter- 
mined by a vote previous to the commencement of the work 
for the same. 

Art. 5. This Society shall meet at 7 o'clock, and work 
from 7 until 9, and shall close at 10 o'clock, after one hour's 
recreation. 

Art. 6. Any article of this Society may be amended by a 
vote of two-thirds of the members present. 

The following officers were chosen : — 
President. — Miss Mary N. Shaw. 
Vice-President. — Miss Jane Holbrook. 
Directors. — Miss Lucy E. Hunt. 

Miss Mercy Oldham. 

Miss Jane E. Gilmore. 

Miss Cordelia Shaw. 

Miss S. Addie Studley. 

Mrs. Edith R. Merritt. 
28 



326^ THE SOUTHERN REBELLION, ETC. 

Secretary. — Miss L. M. Reed, who also acted as Treasurer. 

Voted^ Feb. 8. To make a box of clothing for the free 
colored people. 

Voted, June 8. On account of the short evenings, to adjourn 
until the last Wednesday in October. 

Whole amount of work finished by the Society during the 
five months, was, — 

5 1-2 pairs of Sheets for the Sanitary Commission. 

4 Pairs of Drawers for the Sanitary Commission. 

25 Pairs of Stockings for the Sanitary Commission. 

1 Bed-quilt for Hospital at Readville. 
The box of clothing was sent by Rev. Mr. Walker to 
Fortress Monroe, and contained, — 

12 Pairs Boys' Brown Linen Pants and Waists. 

7 Blue Checked Gingham Shirts and Waists, for ladies. 

8 Petticoat Skirts, made of Rep. cloth. 
20 Undei'-garments of cotton. 

The following letter of acknowledgment was received by 
Mr. Walker :— 

NOVEMBEK 11, 1SC4. 

Mr. Walker : Sir, — Through you, I would acknowledge 
to the Young Ladies' Soldiers Aid Society the receipt of a 
box of clothing for the Freedmen. 

Its value we well appreciate, and those who share its con- 
tents certainly do, if their looks and words signify aught. 

I have been told by them who have been longer here than 
myself, that the contents were rarely equalled, never excelled, 
in point of articles the most needed and the strongest made. 

For them who are the recipients of these favors, I take 
pleasure in sending you thanks, believing it almost possible to 
transmit some of their " God bless you's," so strong and 
hearty were they. 

May you have the means and will to do more. 
Youi's truly, 

Hattie L. Wilder. 
For Capt. C. B. Wilder, Sup't of Contrabands. 



THE SOUTHERN REBELLION, ETC. 327 

In this box were sent a coat and some stockings, not made 
in Society. Box valued at $78. 

Met October 2Gth, according to appointment, and have 
continued to meet every week to this time of writing, March 
6th, 18G5. 

Since reorganizing, the amount of work finished by the 
Society is, 12 sheets, 18 pairs drawers, and 6 shirts for Sani- 
tary Commission. Stockings are being knit by members of 
the Society, as before, for the Sanitary. 

The Society held a Levee on Wednesday and Thursday 
evenings, February 8th and 9th, 18G5, to raise funds to " do 
more " Avork with, and realized the net gain of $245.39, with 
which we hope to have the will to do good unto a people that 
will rise up and be blessed. 

The Ladies^ Soldiers^ Aid Society^ of East Ahington. 
This Society was organized March 5, 18G2. 
The officers were, — 

President. — Rev. Mrs. J. Chaplin. 
Vice-President. — Rev. Mrs. H. D. Walker. 
Secretary. — Miss Fanny Reed. 
Treasurer. — Mrs. Wm. B. White. 
Directors. — Mrs. Amos Reed. 
Mrs. John Burrill. 
Mrs. B. Shaw. 
Mrs. James Underwood. 
Miss Mary Shaw. 

The Board of Officers remains unchanged, except that Mrs. 
Chaplin having removed from town, Mrs. Leonard Blanchard 
has been chosen President ; and Miss Reed having resigned, 
Mrs. Wm. B. White has been chosen Secretary. 

Funds have been received to the amount of $3o8.40. The 
expenditures have been $354.17. Fifteen remittances have 
been made to soldiers, through the Sanitary Commission, 
consisting of a variety of articles of necessity and comfort, such 
as clothing, bandages, cushions and fruit. 

EAsr Abington, March, 18G5. 



328 THE SOUTHERN REBELLION, ETC. 

Particulars given, and receipt of goods acknowledged, by 
the Sanitary Commission, as appears from the following 
memorandum : — 

List of goods received from East Abington, Mass. — 

One package, received January 30, 1862 : 7 quilts ; 2 pil- 
lows. 

One box, no date, 1862 : 2 dressing-gowns ; 6 quilts ; 6 
napkins ; 16 pairs slippers ; 9 handkerchiefs ; 12 cushions ; 
bandages. 

One box, received April 13, 1862. Acknowledged by Mrs. 
Holmes, April 14, 1862: 36 napkins; 12 pairs drawers; 6 
white handkerchiefs ; 125 bandages ; 4 flannel shirts ; 1 jar 
jelly ; 22 pairs slippers ; 2 pairs stockings ; 8 sheets ; 3 boxes 
linen lint ; 5 pairs cushions ; 6 colored handkerchiefs ; 2 dress- 
ing gowns; 25 oranges; 3 cotton shirts; 11 shirts. 

Oue package, received May 18, 1862. Acknowledged by 
Mrs. Holmes May 19, 1862: 13 pads; 17 napkins; 32 
handkerchiefs ; 37 bandages ; 15 pairs slippers ; 10 bed-ticks ; 
,2 dressing gowns ; 5 sheets ; 16 pairs drawers ; 3 pairs stock- 
ings ; 7 shirts ; 1 package lint. 

Two barrels, received June 9, 1862 : 7 bed-ticks ; 5 shirts ; 
31 sheets ; 2 bundles lint ; 1 bundle papers ; 1 dressing gown ; 
20 napkins ; 18 pairs stockings ; 1 pair slippers ; 1 pillow 
case ; 24 bed-ticks ; 10 pairs drawers ; 10 handkerchiefs ; 
8 napkins ; 1 fan ; 23 bandages ; 5 bed-gowns ; 3 sheets ; 
1 pair stockings ; 1 dressing gown. 

Two boxes, acknowledged June 30, 1862, by Mrs. Holmes : 
4 bed-ticks ; 32 rolls of cloth ; 9 napkins ; 13 flannel shirts ; 
10 cotton shirts ; 14 sheets ; 9 pads ; 43 towels ; 141 band- 
ages ; 14 handkerchiefs ; 20 pairs cotton drawers ; 8 tin 
dishes ; 2 boxes, and package lint. 

One box, July 21, 1862 : 1 bed-tick ; 36 napkins ; 59 
pairs di'awers ; 1 pair slippers ; 2 blue flannel shirts ; 5 bun- 
dles cloth ; 97 bandages ; 2 sheets ; 5 cushions; 26 shirts ; 4 
dressing gowns ; 1 linen coat ; 12 handkerchiefs. 

One box, December 15, 1863 : 12 large napkins ; 2 dress- 
ing gowns ; 22 pairs drawers ; 11 pairs stockings ; 9 small 



THE SOUTnERN REBELLION, ETC. 329 

napkins ; 25 flannel shirts ; 9 sheets ; handkerchiefs, (no 
number,) hnt and bandages. 

One bundle, sent December 23, 1862. Acknowledged 
January 2, 18G3 : 1 second-hand wrapper; 1 gown (bed); 
3 rolls old cloth ; 8 napkias ; 1 bundle Hut ; 4 quilts ; 1 sheet ; 
8 handkerchiefs ; 1 1 bandages. 

Two packages, acknowledged May 13, 1863, by Miss 
Stevenson : 22 quilts ; 1 pair cotton drawers ; 26 handker- 
chiefs ; 29 sheets ; 1 cotton flannel shirt ; 12 pin-cushions ; 1 
bundle linen. 

One box, acknowledged June 5, 1863 : 32 quilts; 3 pairs 
cotton drawers ; 17 pairs cotton flannel drawers ; 19 bleached 
sheets ; 14 cushions ; 8 cotton flannel shirts ; 3 pairs woollen 
socks ; 24 pin-cushions ; 55 unbleached sheets. 

A note, received June 9, 1864, enclosing $1 " from a 
friend." Acknowledged by Mrs. Hooper. 

(The tAvo preceding communications were furnished by the 
Societies.) 

It ought, in justice, to be observed, in speaking of the aid 
rendered the soldiers by the ladies of East Abington, that a 
foreign gentleman — a German by birth, known as Count L. 
B. Schwabe — has distinguished himself much by efibrts in 
their behalf. Pie has done much to excite interest in minis- 
tering to the needs of those in camp, in the field, and in the 
hospitals, and to enlist the efforts of others ; and has also 
made, from his own purse, liberal contributions for their 
benefit. Indeed, he appears to have devoted himself to this 
so important object through the whole course of the war ; and 
he has manifested a special interest in those of this town con- 
nected with the army. Among those who have very particular 
cause for remembering his kind exertions, are the companies 
from this town in the 7th, 12th, and 38th Regiments. 

Seiving Circle of the First Universalist Society. 
A List of the members and officers of the Ladies' Sewing 
Circle connected with the First Universalist Society, Abing- 
ton, January 16, 1864. 

28* 



330 THE SOUTHERN REBELLION, ETC. 



MEMBERS. 

Mrs. Ellen L. Crehore ; Mrs. Alice Robins ; Mrs. Johnll, 
Thompson ; Mrs. Sarah Chandler ; Mrs. Adaline Rockwood ; 
Mrs. Vesta M. Gushing ; Mrs. Zebiah Murray ; Mrs. Juliana 
Ewell ; Mrs. Deborah T. Noyes ; Mrs. Ann Gushing ; Mrs. 
Clarissa Willey ; Mrs. Clara T. Farrar ; Mrs. Charlotte 
Pierce ; Mrs. Mary A. Hendley ; Mrs. Sarah J. Trott ; Mrs. 
Sylvinia Dean ; Mrs. Mary F. Nash ; Mrs. Helen A. Nash ; 
Mrs. Nancy Noyes ; Mrs. Mary A. Churchill ; Mrs. Mehitable 
Brown ; Mrs. Sophia Merritt ; Mrs. Mary Nash ; Mrs. Julia 
A. Brown ; Mrs. Harriett Gilbert ; Miss Abby Foster. 



OFFICERS. 

President. — Mrs. Vesta M. Gushing. 
Directors. — Mrs. Julia A. Brown. 

Mrs. Mary A. Hendley. 

Mrs. Mary A. Churchill. 
Secretary and Treasurer. — Mrs. Helen A. Nash. 

This Society has for its object the pecuniary and social 
interest of the Universalist Society in this town, in such way 
and manner as the majority of the members shall, from time 
to time, by vote, determine. 

H. A. Nash, Sec. and Treas. 

It is not known whether this Society, as such, has appro- 
priated its labors to the soldiers since the commencement of 
the war. Probably not, as a Society, or the Secretary would 
have so reported ; however this may be, the members have no 
doubt co-operated efficiently with the Union Aid Society of 
Centre Abin^ton. 



THE SOUTHERN REBELLION, ETC. 331 



New Church Sewing Circle. 

The ol>ject of the New Church Sewing Circle is, 'primarily, 
to promote social intercourse, and also to aid such charitable 
objects as shall be deemed proper by the Circle. 

The Circle, which commenced pretty early in the history of 
the New Church Society here, was of quite an informal char- 
acter. In the year 1854, when the building of the church was 
in contemplation, a fuller organization took place ; and, since 
that time, a record of the doings has been kept. It was then 
decided to devote the efforts of the Circle to the object of 
furnishing the church when it should be erected ; — providing a 
carpet, &c. 

Since the church was finished, the Circle has appropriated 
its receipts, and the products of its labor, to various char- 
itable purposes ; much of them to the aid of the Pastor's 
family. It is organized with a Constitution and the necessary 
officers. 

In February, 1863,. it was decided to work for sick and 
wounded soldiers, until some object, apparently more needy, 
presented itself. 

The regular meetings of the Circle are on the first Thursday 
of every month. The average number attending, during the 
last two years, has been about twelve. 

They have contributed thirteen quilts and twenty-two pairs 
of socks, which have been forwarded to the New England 
Women's Auxiliary Association, Boston. Members of the 
Circle have also, by contributions and by their work, co- 
operated with the Union Aid. 

Miss Ellen E. Harris, Secretary. 



CHAPTER XXXVn. 

Eeception of the Returned Soldiers. 

Since the above chapters were written, the loyal nation has 
experienced the thrill of delight occasioned by the surrender 
of the armies of the so-called Confederacy, and the suppres- 
sion of the rebellion. It has also experienced the pang of 
unutterable anguish, caused by the assassination of President 
Lincoln, which last event occurred April 14, 1865. It is not 
necessary, however, to enter into particulars respecting these, 
and other most marked events which, in connection with these, 
have been transpiring ; because they have been depicted by 
competent pens, and are familiar to my readers. And it now 
remains to rae only to conclude this record of the civil war, 
and of the part wliicli Abington has taken in sustaining the 
integrity of the nation, by a brief account of the reception of 
the returned soldiers, for which the town made provision, and 
which took place July 27, 1865. It may be here observed 
that the procession was formed on the green, in front of 
Hatherly Hall, and that its route to Island Grove was through 
Washington Street, Centre Avenue and Plymouth Street. It 
may be observed, also, that the assemblage of people from this 
and other towns to participate in the ceremonies of the recep- 
tion, or to witness them, was very great. There was probably 
never before so large a collection of people in the town. The 
number has been estimated at from ten thousand to fifteen 
thousand. 

Tickets to the dinner were provided not only for the soldiers, 
but also for their families. 

Reception of the Soldiers of Abington, July 27, 1865. 
About 5 o'clock, a.m., the boom of cannon awakened the 
echoes of the early morning, announcing the opening of the 

(332) 



RECEPTION OF THE RETURNED SOLDIERS. 333 

reception ceremonies in honor of our soldiers returned from 
the hard-fought fiekls of the South, victorious in the contest 
for freedom. Tlie church bells soon after rang out a merry 
peal, and flags and mottoes began to appear on the designated 
route of the procession. 

Preparation was made for a collation to Co. C, 38th Regi- 
ment, in Founjain Hall, at eight o'clock. 

At 10 o'clock the North Abington portion of the procession 
made its appearance, headed by the Abington Brass Band, and 
composed of Sumner Division S. of T., French's Battery, and 
an array of citizens, and disabled and veteran soldiers, in 
carriages. 

Soon after, the procession from the East arrived, presenting 
a most brilliant appearance. Dr. Underwood led the line, 
and, following, came the North Bridge water Band, with the 
Fenian Brotherhood Circles of East and North Abington, 
ninety-five in number, commanded by Thomas Sisk and John 
Lydon, bearing the Stars and Stripes and the green banner of 
the Emerald Isle. A floral procession was next in order, 
headed by the Weymouth Band, and comprising the following : 
A chariot, in which was seated a young lady in appropriate 
costume, representing the Goddess of Peace, (Miss Annie 
Torrey,) surrounded by her attendants ; carriage decorated 
with flags and filled with children, who were seated around 
the Shepherdess (Miss Lizzie Fenno). On the front of the 
carriage was the inscription — "Peace on earth, good will to 
men. " The soldier guests marched in the rear, presenting a 
fine appearance. The companies were G, 12th Regiment, 
Capt. Moses N. Arnold ; Co. G, 43d, and members of the 60th 
Regiment company, commanded by Capt. Josiah Soule, jr. 

Martial strains from the 33d Regiment Baud announced the 
arrival of the South Abington body, which contained the 
largest portion of the military array, and included an elegantly 
decorated car drawn by six horses. The car contained thirty- 
six young ladies, representing the " States," and surrounding 
the Goddess of Liberty (Miss Cordelia Shaw). The military 
pageant was made up of the following companies ; — 



334 "^^^ SOUTHERN REBELLION. 

Co. K, 7th Kegimeut, Captain George W. Eeecl ; Co. E, 
4th Regiment, Lieutenant Humble ; Co. C, 38th Regiment, 
Captain Bennett ; 20th Unattached Co., Lieutenant "Washburn. 

At 11 o'clock, the details of forming the line having been 
completed, the procession moved in the following order : — 

Jiid. Chief Marshal. Aid. 

Weymouth Brass Band. 

Committee of Arrangements. 

Aid, President and Chaplain of the Day. Aid. 

Invited Guests. 

Committee of Arrangements. 

Aid. Citizens, as an Escort. Aid. 

A Barge, drawn by six horses, containing thirty-six young 

ladies dressed in white. 

Band of Thii'ty-Third Regiment. 

Franklin Light Battery, of Boston, Captain French. 

Soldiers of 1S12, in carriages. 

Field and Staff Otficers, mounted. 

Co. K, 7th Regiment, Captain George W. Reed. 

Co. G, 12th Regiment, Captain Moses N. Arnold. 

Co. C, 38th Regiment, Captain George N. Bennett. 

Co. E, 4th Regiment, Lieutenant Henry Humble. 

Co. G, 43d Regiment, and Co. A, 60th Regiment, Captain 

Josiah Soule, jr. 

20th Unattached Co., Captain Lewis Soule. 

Soldiers of other Regiments, and those who have served 

in the Navy. 

Aid. Invalid Soldiers, in carriages. Aid. 

Abington Brass Band. 

Divisions of Sons of Templars, Good Templars, 

and Fenian Brotherhood. 

Aid. Citizens in Carriages. Aid. 

Colonel F. P. Harlow, of the 7th Regiment, commanded the 
Military Division of the Procession. The other Field and 
Staff Officers were Lieutenant Colonel White, 18th Regiment; 



RECEPTION OF THE RETURNED SOLDIERS. 335 

Major Charles II. Allen, 38tli Regiment ; Major Everett Lane, 
43(1 Regiment ; Major Edward Reed, 12th Regiment ; Captain 
Henry B. Peirce, Quartermaster 23d Regiment ; Captain 
Ellmer C. Corthell, Battery D, 1st Rhode Island Light Artil- 
lery ; Captain Dan. Packard, 7th Regiment ; Dr. Hastings, 
18th Regiment. 

The soldiers of the Avar of 1812 were as follows: Jacob 
Koyes, Nehcmiah Hubbard, Jonas Gilson, Samuel Wales, 
Benjamin Noyes, Rufus Curtis, Gridley Thaxter, Saunders 
Gardner, Richard Ilolbrook, Nathan Beal, Jonathan Arnold, 
Isaac Leavitt, John Curtis, Abiah Reed, Goddard Reed, 
Joshua Curtis, and Benjamin Norton. 

In the carriages for invalid soldiers were Sergeant George 
W, Coy, 5Gth Regiment; AVilliara II. Rand, 4th Cavalry; 
Francis Pool, 12th Regiment; "W. H. Daniels, 1st Heavy 
Artillery ; James Pennimau, 1st Heavy Artillery ; Jonathan 
Perry, oSth Regiment ; George "W. Curtis, jr., 1st Heavy 
Artillery ; William B. Blanchard, 4th Cavalry, and others. 

The decorations along the route were quite attractive, and 
the great crowd of people, in boliday attire, added much to the 
picturesqueness of the scene. The procession was grand and 
imposing, and, as it passed along Centre Avenue, the van 
turned the corner of Plymouth Street, about the same time the 
rear was leaving Washington Street. 

Arriving at the Grove, the soldiers were escorted to the 
seats at the stand by the aids ; and the officers of the day and 
speakers having reached the platform, the Battery fired a 
salute of thirty-six guns. The Chaplain was called upon to 
offer prayer, after which Pi'esident Reed delivered an address 
of welcome to the soldiers. 

As there is contained in this address of the President of 
the Day, Hon. Levi Reed, some more particular account of the 
participation of our soldiers in the labors and conflicts of the 
war, than is embraced in the foregoing record, the following 
extracts from the address are subjoined : — 

" But the Government soon found out that the war was not 
to be finished with three months ' troops ; and, under the call 



336 THE SOUTHERN REBELLION. 

of the President, the people of the town, with the greatest 
enthusiasm, rallied to the rescue of the country. Two com- 
panies were immediately started, one at South Abington, and 
the other at East Abington. 

" The one from the East left town April 29th, and went into 
camp May 3d, at Fort Warren, under command of Capt. Ira 
Blanchard; became Co. G, of the 12th Regiment, and was 
mustered into the service of the United States June 26, 1861. 
This was the first three years ' company to leave town, and 
served its full term. Time would fail me to give a full detail 
of the services of this and other companies. A brief summary 
is all I shall attempt. 

" They left Boston on the 23d of July, and were for some 
time stationed in Maryland, where they were encamped during 
the winter of 1861 — 62. In the summer of 1862 they were 
in the battle of Cedar Mountain ; and at the second battle of 
Bull Run, August 30th, the Regiment Avas severely engaged, 
and Colonel AVebster, Captain Kimball, and ten men were 
killed, and one hundred and thirty-five Avoimded and missing. 
They were also engaged at South Mountain ; and, on the 17th 
of September, they fought most gallantly in the battle of 
Antietam. When General Hooker here found himself hard 
pressed by the enemy, and his line in danger of being broken, 
he exclaimed, in his distress, ' Send me HartsuflTs Brigade. ' 
The Brigade, including the 12th Regiment, was immediately 
sent, and right nobly did they sustain their reputation. They 
stood, a wall of fire, defying all efforts of the rebels to drive 
them, till relief arrived. 

" In this fight, the most bloody of the war, so far as this 
regiment was concerned, Co. G, of East Abington, did its 
full share of the work. Of the two oflBcers and thirty-three 
privates, being all there was left to enter the fight. Lieutenant 
Cushing and five men were killed, and Captain Reed and 
twenty-one meu wounded, two of whom died of their wounds, 
leaving only seven men \inharmed, when it was Avithdrawn 
from the fight, making a loss of eighty per cent, in killed and 
wounded. This is a loss in killed and wounded entirely 



RECEPTION OF THE RETURNED SOLDIERS. 337 

unparalleled in the history of the war. The Begiment went 
in Avith three hundred and twenty-five men, and lost two 
hundred and thirteen in killed and wounded, which is more 
than sixty-five per cent, of the number engaged. 

" Six days after this action, (Sept, 23d,) Colonel Bates 
took command of the regiment, and was with it in its subse- 
quent career. The company followed the fortunes of the regi- 
ment, and was engaged in the battles of Fredericksburg, 
(where Captain Reed was again wounded,) Chancellorville, 
Gettysburg, (where Colonel Bates was wounded,) and through 
the campaign of the spring of 1864 in the Wilderness, at 
Spottsylvania Court House and Richmond, till June 25th, when 
its term of service expired. The company returned with only 
sixteen of its original members, two having re-enlisted. 

" The company at South Abington, under command of Capt. 
Harlow, (since promoted Lieutenant-Colonel,) left town and 
went into camp at Taunton, May 20th, and was mustered into 
the service of the United States June loth, 18G1, and became 
Co. K, of the 7th Regiment, then commanded by Colonel 
Couch, who has since become a Major-General in the army of 
the Union. It left for Washington July 11th, and remained 
in camp in that neighborhood till the next spring. 

'• In the campaign of 18G2 it formed a part of the Army 
of the Potomac, imder General McClellan, and participated in 
the various actions on the Peninsula ; was in the battle of 
Fair Oaks, and was engaged in the various actions on the 
retreat of the army to James River. 

" The company was with General McClellan in his march 
through Maryland, and was in the reserve at the battle of 
Antietam. In the spring of 1863, it took part in the active 
operations of the army under General Hooker, in the corps of 
General Sedgwick, and was in the attack of Fredericksburg, 
while General Hooker Avas engaged at Chancellorville. It 
was here, on the 3d of May, 1863, that the 7th Regiment was 
detached from the Brigade, to lead the assaulting column 
against the works on Mary's Hill. Laying aside their knap- 
sacks, blankets, and every incumbrance, they made the assault 



338 THE SOUTIIEKN REBELLION. 

on the famous stone wall, which they carried with heavy loss ; 
and then, advancing i;p the hill, occupied the heights, capturing 
two pieces of artillery, and planting their colors on the works 
from which they had just driven the enemy. Not satisfied 
•with this, the brave boys of the 7tli immediately pushed on 
and met the enemy again, and drove them till darkness put au 
end to the conflict. With a force of about five hundred 
engaged, they sustained a loss of two officers and twenty-one 
men killed, and nine officers and one hundred and five mea 
wounded. Colonel Johns and Lieutenant-Colonel Harlow were 
both wounded, and six men in Co. K were killed and eleven 
Avouuded. A total of seventeen out of about thirty men wlio 
went into the fight, or more than fifty-six per cent. 

" The regiment was with General Meade in his march 
through Maryland and into Pennsylvania ; and, July 1st, 
marched all night and next day, making thirty-five miles, in 
order to reach the field of Gettysburg. Here they were held 
as a support on the third of July, and were moved from right 
to left, as they were needed. 

" In the spring of 1864 they were in the campaign under 
General Grant ; were severely engaged in the battles of the 
Wilderness, where, in one day, they lost eighty-five men, and 
were constantly in active duty till June 15th, when their term 
of service expii'ed. The company was mustered out of service 
at Taunton, July 5th, 1864, with thirty-five men. 

" Company C, of the 38th Regiment, raised in this town, 
left the State under command of Captain Allen, September 
24th, 1862 ; was encamped in the vicinity of Baltimore till 
November 10th, of the same year, when, with the regiment, it 
sailed for New Orleans. 

" It was engaged in various expeditions in Louisiana under 
General Banks, in the famous lOth Corps, and did good service 
in the siege of Port Hudson. In the assault of the 27th of 
May, it charged through ravines and abatis of felled timber 
to within one hundred and fifty yards of the fort. Lieutenant 
Colonel Rodman, in command, was here killed. On the 14th 
of June it was engaged in another assault, and advanced up 



RECEPTION OF THE RETURNED SOLDIERS. 339 

into the very ditch around the works, but, not being supported, 
was obliged to remain there, in the broiling sun, all day, and 
then fell back under cover of the darkness of night. 

" After the fall of Port Hudson, the regiment remained in 
camp at various points, till it engaged in, and partook of, the 
various fortunes of the Eed River Expedition, under General 
Banks. 

July 25th, 1864, it sailed from New Orleans for Fortress 
Monroe, and arrived July 28th, and was ordered to imme- 
diately join the army under General Sheridan, in the Shenan- 
doah Valley. Here it was engaged September 19th, in the 
battle of Opequan, under command of Major Allen, (Lieut. 
Colonel Richardson having been wounded,) and October 19th, 
in the famous battle where General Sheridan turned an appar- 
ent disaster into a most glorious victory. It suffered severely 
in these actions, and, after the final defeat of the rebels in the 
valley, was sent to Baltimore, where, after a delay of three 
weeks, it was again transferred to the South, and placed on 
duty in Savannah. It remained in that place till June oOth, 
then sailed for Boston, and arrived July 6th, 1865. During the 
year 1864 it marched six hundred miles, and travelled by rail 
and boat at least two thousand six hundred more, which, added 
to the same duty in the other years of its service, must double 
the amount. 

" This completes the list of three years ' companies that 
have had distinct organizations in this town. 

" But, in addition to Co. E, already mentioned, the town has 
furnished a full company of nine months ' men, under Captaiu 
Lane, afterwards under Captain Josiah Soule, jr., when 
Captain Lane was promoted Major. This was Co. G, of the 
43d Regiment, and was in active duty in Newburn, North 
Carolina. 

"Another company, under Captain Josiah Soule, jr., raised 
in the summer of 1864 for one hundred days, was Co. A, of 
the 60th Regiment, engaged in guarding prisoners and pre- 
serving the peace in Indiana. 

" Another company, under Captain Lewis Soule, was raised 



340 THE SOUTHERN REBELLION. 

in August, 1864, for one hundred days, and at (lie end of that 
term re-enlisted for one year. These served in the fort, at 
Marblehead, in this State. 

" These are all the distinct companies that have been 
organized in town, but many individuals have enlisted in other 
regiments and batteries. Some hardy seamen have also en- 
listed in the navy, and, under a Foote and a Farragut, have 
served their country faithfully ; making a total of one thousand 
one hundred and thirty-eight men who have entered the service 
of the Union from this town." 

A " Song of Welcome " was then sung by the audience, 
Colonel A. Wbitmarsh, Leader, the 33d Regiment Band 
playing the accompaniment. 

Colonel King, Chief Constable of the State, then delivered 
an eloquent eulogium on Massachusetts soldiers, and was 
followed by Judge Russell, both being warmly applauded 
during their able and interesting remarks. 

After the speakers had concluded, the Pi'esident announced 
the formation of tlie procession for dinner ; and the soldiers, 
invited guests and ticket-holders, proceeded to the mammoth 
tent on the outskirts of the Grove, where a sumptuous dinner 
had been pi-epared by the efficient caterer. Field, of North 
Bridgewater, the tables being spread by Jolm C. Davis, of 
Dedham, in an artistic manner. Plates Avere laid for one 
thousand four hundred and fifty persons ; the number present, 
however, exceeding the number of plates. In front of the 
platform were the fine large portraits of S. Boardman Foster 
and Walter Davis, of the 12th, which the generous-hearted 
soldier's friend, Count Schwabe, has procured for the gallery 
of deceased heroes. Over the portrait of Foster was the 
inscription — " The beauty of Israel is slain upon our high 
places" ; over that of Davis — " The fittest place for man to 
die is where he dies for man." Across the sides of the tent 
were the following mottoes: "Our flag — not a star erased, 
not a stripe polluted." " By the valor of our brave men has 
Our Union been preserved." 



RECEPTION OF THE RETUKNED SOLDIERS. 341 

These mottoes, together with those pendant from the trees 
around the speaker's stand in the Grove, were very tastefully 
arranged. The latter were — " Honor to the gallant defenders 
of the Stars and Stripes " ; " The security of the American 
Republic rests in the equality of human rights"; "Liberty 
and Union — one and indivisible, now and forever"; "God 
bless our Union — it is dearer to us for the blood of our brave 
men shed in its defence." 

At 2 o'clock the assemblage was called to order, and the 
Divine blessing having been invoked by the Chaplain, the 
bountiful feast was discussed. 

Appropriate sentiments, speeches, songs, and music by the 
bands, succeeded the dinner, or, we may say, constituted the 
intellectual part of the feast. The greater part of the speeches 
were by officers of regiments, in honor of whom the reception 
was arranged. They were generally in good taste, and able, 
and were highly appreciated by the large company present. 
Among the speakers were Captain McCartney, of the 1st 
Massachusetts Battery; Colonel Bates, of the 12th Regiment; 
Colonel Johns, of the 7th ; Colonel J. P. Richardson ; Rev. 
Mr. Manning, Chaplain of the 43d ; Captain Soule and Rev. 
Mr. Darrow. Rev. II. D. Walker read a poem, and an ani- 
mated speech was made by P. W. Cronan, in response to the 
sentiment, " Our adopted citizens. " The Abington Standard^ 
to which we are indebted for the principal part of the above 
account of the reception, commends " the orderly conduct of 
the multitude assembled " as " worthy of all praise. " 



29* 



APPENDIX. 



MEMOEIALS OP PAMILIES IN ABIHGTON. 



The following memorials embrace many, but not all, of our 
family names : — 

B E A. Ij. 

1. John Beal, the ancestor and progenitor of all those of 
the name of Beal dwelling in Hingham, Cohasset, Scituate, 
"Weymouth, Abington, and other towns in the vicinity, came 
from Hingham, Norfolk County, England, in 1635. He 
brought with him five sons, three daughters, and two ser- 
vants. It is supposed the inducement to Mr. Bsal to settle 
in Hingham was that his wife, Nazareth, was a sister of 
Rev. Peter Hobart, the first minister of Hingham. The five 
sons and three daughters who came from England, were 
Martha, Mary, Sarah, John, Nathaniel, Jeremiah, Joshua 
and Caleb ; they had two children born in America, Rebecca 
and Jacob. Mr. Beal had six acres of laud for a home-lot, 
butting on the town street, north, and on the common, south, 
Thomas Hobart, west, and Farrar Austin, east. The site of 
this home-lot can be easily pointed out on the south side of 
South Street, and west of Hersey Street. In 1649, Mr, Beal, 
in company of Nicholas Jacob, represented the town of Hing- 
ham in the General Court of the Colony. Plis wife Nazareth 
died on September 23, 1658; he afterwards married Mary, 
the widow of N. Jacob, by whom he had no children. She 
died May, 1681, and he died June 15, 1681, aged one hundred 
years, as is recorded in the Hobart .Diary, and also by Judge 
Sewall. All the sons and daughters of Mr. Beal married and 

(343) 



344 APPENDIX. 

had children, except Rebecca, the youngest, who was un- 
married. 

2. Jeremiah Beal, son of John, was born in England, and 
lived on the present South Street in Hingham. He married 
Sarah Ripley, daughter of William Ripley, of Hingham, No- 
vember 18, 1652, and had the following children : Jeremiah, 
born May 13, 1655; John, March, 1656, designated as a 
carpenter; Sarah, June, 1659 ; Lazarus, September 7, 1661 ; 
Phebe, March 2, 1663; Mary, May 6, 1666, and Elizabeth, 
May 16, 1669. Mr. Beal was Lieutenant in the Hingham 
Train Band ; his commission was dated May 20, 1683. He 
died August 10, 1716, aged eighty-five, and Avas consequently 
born in England in 1631. His wife, Sarah, died June 20, 
1715. 

3. Jeremiah Beal, sou of Jeremiah, the first of the name, 
was born in Hingham, May 13, 1655, and was a blacksmith 
by trade. On the 22d of May, 1677, he married Hannah 
Lane, daughter of Andrew and Tryphena. She was bora 
September 30, 1658. The children of Jeremiah and Hannah 
were — Jeremiah, born May 2, 1678 ; Sarah, March 5, 1679 ; 
Hannah, December 31, 1681; Jael, November 21, 1683; 
Andrew, January 27, 1685; Jedediah, November 4, 1688; 
Abraham, October 26, 1690; Barthsheba, February 19, 
1692 or '93; Rebecca, April 8, 1695; Benjamin, April 8, 1697; 
and Abigail, December 13, 1699. Mr. Beal died at Hing- 
ham, April 21, 1703, aged forty-eight years; and his wife, 
September 19, 1719, aged sixty-one years. 

4. Jeremiah Beal, son of the preceding and third of the 
name, was the oldest son of Jeremiah and Hannah, and was 
born in Hingham, May 2, 1678, and married Esther Farrow, 
daughter of John Farrow, jr., and his wife, Mary Hillard. 
She was born June 28, 1675, and died August 10, 1716. 
Tlie children of Jeremiah and Esther Beal Avere — Bethiah, 
born January 28, 1701 ; Mary, April 23, 1703 ; Jere- 
miah, December 25, 1706 ; Jael Jedediah, father of Noah, 
who settled in Abington ; and Isaac, October 9, 1708. 
Mr. Beal (after the birth of his children, who were all bora 



APPENDIX. 345 

in Ilingham,) removed to Weymouth, and died young, August 
10, 1716, aged thirty-eight years ; his wife died January 21, 
1760, eighty-four years old. 

5. Jeremiah Beal, the fourth of the name, and also son of 
the preceding, was born in Ilingham, December 25, 1706. 
On the 18th of November, 1729, he married at Weymouth, 
(whither he had removed with his father,) Mary Colson, 
daughter of John Colson and his wife Susanna, who was the 
daughter of Thomas Lincoln, of Hingham. She was born 
October 7, 1708. The children of Jeremiah and Mary were — 
Abijah, born August 17, 1730 ; Benjamin, December 9, 1731, 
in Weymouth. Soon after this date Mr. Beal removed to 
Abington, and settled on the farm now (1865) owned and 
occupied by Mr. William Blaisdell, where was born in Feb- 
ruary 2, 1739, Chloe ; and, in 1741, Levi; and, in 1746, 
Priscilla, who married Captain Abraliara Shaw, of East 
Abington, and is the mother or progenitor of a large number 
of that name in East Abington. Mr. Beal died in 1752, aged 
forty-five years; his wife lived on the homestead till 1780 or 
1781, when she died, aged about 72 years. 

6. Benjamin Beal, son of the preceding Jeremiah and 
Mary, was born in Weymouth, December 9, 1731, but re- 
moved with his father to Abington, where he passed the 
remainder of his days. lie was a farmer : he was a lieu- 
tenant in the military, and collector for the Province, when 
Harrison Gray was treasurer, under the Colonial Government. 
On the 18th of February, 1753, he married Mary Porter, of 
AVeymouth, who was born September 25, 1734 (her mother, 
Ruth Whitman, was daughter of Deacon Samuel Whitman, 
who lived to be about one hundred years old, and died about 
1778). The children of Benjamin and Mary Beal were — 
Chloe, born December 3, 1753, — died young; Mary, born 
October 11, 1755 ; married Ebenezer K. Hunt, November 5, 
1778. She died February 14, 1835, leaving a large posterity 
in Abington. Benjamin, born October 30, 1757; married 
Mary Noyes, of Abington, June 21, 1787, and removed to 
the town of Turner, Me., where his descendants are numerous ; 



346 APPENDIX. 

Chloe, born Oct. 8, 1759, died unmarried, Jan. 1, 1848, aged 

89 years ; Samuel, born October 8, 1761 ; married Cobb, 

March 6, 1782 ; she died May 4, 1804. He then married, Oct. 
7, 1785, Sarah Remington ; he then removed to Winchendon. 
He left a numerous posterity ; some in Abington, some in 
Boston, some in "Winchendon, and some in California and 
elsewhere. Ruth, born September 14, 1763 ; married Noah 
Hersey, of Abington, 1787, and moved to the town of Minot, 
Maine. Priscilla, born February 14, 1766 ; died unmarried. 
Zelotes, born February 23, 1768 ; married Sarah Burrill, 
March 2, 1797; his posterity is large in Abington. Lydia, 
born February 13, 1770; married, December 6, 1792, David 
Trufant, of Weymouth. Sarah, born November 11, 1772; 
married, January 4, 1795, Nathaniel Tirrill ; they leave a 
large posterity in Abington. Nathaniel, born February 11, 
1775 ; married, January, 1807, Tamar Hobart, of Abington. 
Mehitable, born May 1, 1777; married Abner Plolbrook, of 
Weymouth, March 1, 1776; her descendants are in Wey- 
mouth. Mr. Benjamin Beal died in Abington, August 30, 
1805, and his widow, January 3, 1806. 

7. Nathaniel Beal, son of Benjamin, born February 11, 
1775 ; married, January, 1807, Tamar Hobart, of Abington, 
daughter of Elijah Hobart. Their children were — Nathaniel, 
born December 2, 1807 ; married Nancy T. Winsor, of Dux- 
bury, December 2, 1831. Tamar, born March 18, 1810 ; she 
married David Shaw, of Abington. Asahel, born October 14, 
1812; lives on Salem Street, where his father did ; married 
Adaline M. Jacobs, of Hanover, who died May 19, 1862, aged 
forty-one years. Children — Lucy, born May 15, 1855, and 
died August 19, 1855 ; Albert A., born September 8, 1861. 
Lucy, born January 12, 1815, and died April 3, 1853, un- 
married ; Henry, born February 8, 1817, and married Harriet 
Jeukins, January, 1835. Children — 1. Harriet A., born 
August, 1839 ; married Daniel B. Estes. 2. Almira S., born 
November, 1841 ; died young. 3. Myra Alice, born October 
14, 1843 ; died young. 4. Henry Howard, born July, 1850 ; 
died young. 5. Edward AVelliugton, born August, 1852. 



APPENDIX. 847 

Ezekiel, born May 14, 1819 ; unmarried. Mr. Beal died 
February, 1820, aged forty-five years ; and his widow died. 

8. Nathaniel, son of the preceding, born December 2, 1807 
married, December 2, 1831, Nancy T. Winsor, of Duxbmy 
Their children were, — Nathaniel, born October 14, 1832 
he married Catharine Curtis, of Scituate, November 29, 1855 
and their children are, — Minette C, born January 10, 1857 
and Effie E., born December 13, 1858. John Winsor, born 
February 8, 1835 ; he married, August 5, 1860, Sarah Loring, 
of Hingham. Children — Florence Leslie was born March 5, 
1863, and died August 31, 1864 ; John Leslie, born December 
19, 1865; Josephine, born November 11, 1837; William 
Henry Harrison, born April 14, 1840, and died November 22, 
1840. 

Beal, Noah, of Hingham, a weaver by trade, son of 
Jedediah, (and probably a descendant of John, a shoemaker 
who, with his wife, five sons, three daughters, and two ser- 
vants, came from Hingham, England, to Hingham, Mass., in 
1635,*) was born in 1722 ; died July 23, 1794. Married, 
first, Elizabeth Josselyn, of Hanover, born 1725; died 1771. 
Children — 1, Elizabeth, born 1748; died 1771, unmarried. 
2, Noah, born April 25, 1751 ; Mary married Nehemiah 
Smith, and lived on Liberty Street. Daniel married Martha 
Burrell, and lived on Water Street. Children — Betsey, Daniel, 
Martha, Cyntha, and Mary ; moved to Freeport, Me. Grace 
married Oliver Shed, and lived in Roxbury ; Job married 
Betsey Totman, and lived on Webster Street. Children — 
Ruth, Rachel, Harvey H., Jarvis and Huldah ; moved to Free- 
port, Me. Triphena married Homer Whiting, and lived in 
Hanover. Sarah married Caleb Rodgers, and lived in Hanover. 
Frances, born 1767 ; died 1831, unmarried. 2. Noah, mar- 
ried Prisse Rice, of Hingham ; died 1790. Child — Melzar. 
He Avas one of the first settlers in the east part of the town, 
and lived for several years in a log house, near where the 
Webster Street school-house now stands ; he finally erected a 

* Barry's History of Hanover. 



348 APPENDIX. 

frame house, where Stephen Whiting's house now stands, and 
followed making shingles, farming and marketing. 

Beal, Noah, 2, son of Noah 1, married Prisse Whiting, of 
Hanover, May 4, 1780. Children — 1. David, born July 12, 
1781 ; 2. Nathan, born April 27, 1783 ; 3. Elizabeth, born 
July 14, 1785; died April 29, 1796. 4. Zadock, born 
February 10, 1788; married, 1. Triphena Whiting; died 
August 21, 1820; 2. Rebecca Whiting, and lives in Han- 
over; 5. Priscilla, born April 15, 1790; married Seth 
Turner, of Hanover ; born 1786 ; died May 15, 1823. Child 
— Seth, who has children, and lives in Hanson ; 2. Nathan, 
born 1814 ; died December 27, 1829. 3. Priscilla P., bora 
1817; died 1818. 4, Priscilla; 5. Noah B., born September 
26, 1823. She has lived in Hanover and Hanson, but now owns 
a house, and lives on Water Street, in Abington. 6. Lydia, 
born July 30, 1792; died 1858, unmarried. 7. Noah, born 
July 28, 1795 ; is a farmer, and lives on Water Sti-eet, in the 
house his father built. 8. Elizabeth, born April 28, 1796; 
died October 13, 1817. He was on guard in Roxbury at the 
time of the Bunker Hill Battle, and served in the Revolutionary 
Army two years, and was afterwards appointed overseer of 
laborers on Castle Island by Governor Hancock. He built 
a house, and lived on Water Street ; was a farmer and 
marketer, and tended a mill part of the time. He had a 
pension the latter part of his life. He died December 25, 
1839, aged 89 years and 8 months. 

Beal, David, son of Noah, 2, married Hannah Pratt, July 
23, 1809, and lived in a house he built on Water Street, near 
Beal's Mill. Children— 1. Betsey P., born January 18, 1810 ; 
married Zattu Cushing. 2. Elizabeth, born May 24, 1812 ; 
married Samuel C. Pool, and died September 18, 1834. 

3. Lydia, born February 6, 1814; married Samuel C. Pool. 

4. David, born August 16, 1819. 5. Henry Shed, born June 
13, 1821 ; died September 13, 1822. 6. Hannah L., bora 
July 24, 1826 ; married Joshua D. Turner, and lives in 
Hingham. He was a shoemaker, farmer and miller, and 
was one of the selectmen of the town for years in 



APPENDIX. 349 

succession. He died July 16, 1855, aged 74 years, 7 months 
and 27 days ; and Hannah, his wife, February 1, 1862. 

Nathan, son of Noah Beal, 2, married, 1, Debby Dwelly 
Whiting, of Lunenburg, October, 1818. Children — 1. Nathan 

, born December 15, 1819. 2. Dana, born November 

11, 1821 ; died October 15, 1822. 2. Married Mercy Tillson, 
of Halifax ; born 1794 ; died 1857. He lives on Water Street, 
in the house he built in 1818; is a farmer; has kept school 
nine M^inters ; was one of the superintendents of the Sabbath- 
school in the third parish eleven years, and assessor of said 
parish twenty-eight years. He held a commission as lieutenant 
five years, and was drafted to serve on a court-martial in 
Bridgewater the day the soldiers wei'e drafted to serve in the 
War of 1812. He has served on the school committee, and 
was one of the selectmen of the town in 1840 and 1841. 

David, son of David, 1, married Mary C. Hatch, December 
29, 1844. He is a shoemaker, and lives on Water Street. 
Children — 1. Mary Elizabeth, born November 3, 1845; 
2. David Henry, born October 20, 1848; 3. Ada Maria, 
born August 28, 1854 ; 4. Charles Sumner, born August 14, 
1846 ; 5. Nellie Frances, born December 10, 1859. 

Nathan, son of Nathan, 1, married, 1, Abigail Mitchell, 
of Maine; died 1856. Children — 1. Nathan Alden, born 
February 15, 1844; 2. Ellen Frances, born 1846; died 
1850. 3. Deborah D. W., born March 28, 1848; 4. Francis 
Dana, born 1850 ; died 1853. 5. Frank Pierce, born 1853 ; 
died 1853. 2. Married Emma D. Tillson, of Cummington, 
Mass. He lives on Water Street, and is a farmer and miller. 

Noah Beal Turner, grandson of Noah Beal, 2, born Sep- 
tember 26, 1823 ; married Welthy H. Briggs, of Lakeville, 
November 28, 1845. Children — 1. Elmer J., born September 
4, 1846 ; 2. Rosannah B., born June 24, 1848 ; 3. Julia A., 
born April 30, 1850; 4. Almina M., born September 28, 
1853 ; 5. Linus S., born January 25, 1857. He is a shoe- 
maker, and lives on Water Street. 

Zelotes Beal,* son of Benjamin and Mary Beal, bora 

"■ See Memorial of John Beat's Family, 6. 
80 



350 APPENDIX. 

February 23, 1768; married Sarah Burrell, March 2, 1797. 
Children — Nelson, born August 14, 1797; Benjamin, born 
September 9, 1799 ; Ruth, born April 4, 1801 ; Zelotes, born 
March 19, 1803 ; John A., born March 9, 1805 ; Sarah, 
born September, 1806 ; Micah P., born November 18, 1808 ; 
Gridley, born December 11, 1811 ; Samuel C, born May 22, 
1813. 

Nelson mamed Selina H. Nash, August, 1825. She died 
October 4, 1821, leaving one daughter, Sarah B., born June 
26, 1826. He married, second time, Polly Nash, Jan. 1847. 

Benjamin married Dorothy B. Nash, October, 1827. She 
died April 15, 1838, leaving one son, George A., born De- 
cember 21, 1830. George A. married Helen M. Reed, 
December 9, 1852. She died January 27, 1861, leaving 
one son, Herbert A., born October 31, 1853. He mari'ied, 
second time, Lucretia A. Reed, December 27, 1863. 

Ruth married Jacob Lovell, September, 1826, by whom she 
had a large family, now mostly residing in East Abington. 

Zelotes married Anna N. Bicknell, July 3, 1826. Children 
— Randall B., born November, 1826 ; Daniel W., born De- 
cember 28, 1832. Randall B. mai-ried Lucy Corthell, Decem- 
ber 11, 1845. Children — Emma L., born May 5, 1846; 
Lucy A., born May 10, 1849 ; Anna M., born January 13, 
1852 ; Marietta, born April 3, 1853 ; Sarah E., box-n April 
3, 1861 ; George E., born April 30, 1864. 

Daniel W. married Rachel Nash, November, 1855. Chil- 
dren — Millard F., born August 18, 1857 ; Nancy C, born 
March 3, 1859. 

John A. married Anna C. Shaw, April, 1827. Cliildren — 
Lucia A., born October 10, 1827 ; John Q., born April 10, 
1835 ; Josiah, born September 22, 1838. 

Micah P. married Charlotte Bicknell, 1830. Son, James 
F., born March 11, 1832; died December 20, 1863. James 
F. married Mary A. Barrows, May 3, 1854, Children — 
Charlotte A., born February 16, 1855 ; Eugene F., born Sep- 
tember 29, 1856 ; Carrie M., born March 5, 1859 ; died 
September 8, 1859. Henry B., born September 15, 1860. 



APPENDIX. 351 

Grldley married Clarissa Hunt, March 26, 1835. Childreu 
— George E., bora June 5, 1839 ; died in the United States* 
service, February 16, 1863. Horace G., born December 12, 
1854 ; Claraetta, born October 28, 1856. 

Samuel C. married Sally Thompson, September 20, 1835. 
She died May 19, 1844, leaving three childi-en, viz., Andrew 
J., born April 26, 1838 ; died May 3, 1858. Marion A., 
born May 10, 1840 ; died October 18, 1845. Walter M., bora 
August 10, 1842. He married, second time, Mary Gleason, 
November 4, 1850. Walter M. married Francis A. Cobbett, 
September 9, 1863. Daughter, Fannie A., boru September 
2, 1864. 



B IL. ^ K E . 

William Blake, son of Giles and Dorothy Blake, of Little 
Badden, Essex, England, emigrated, with Agnes his wife, and 
their five children, in the ship Mary and John, Capt. Synet, 
from Plymouth, England, on the 20th of March, 1630, and 
arrived at Nantasket, (now Hull,) on the 30th of May, 1630. 
They finally settled in Dorchester, and drew up and signed 
articles of agreement for self-government. 

In the sixth generation from AVilliam and Agnes Blake, we 
find, on the Dorchester Records, the name of Nathaniel Blake. 
Ho married Ann Robinson in 1782. Samuel, son of Nathaniel 
and Ann Blake, was born in 1787, and married Susannah 
Bates ; they settled in Abington, Mass., about the year 1810, 
where he died February 18, 1862. Their children were — 

Samuel, boru July 16, 1810 ; Susan, born January 8, 1814 ; 
Sally, born September 8, 1816; died February 3, 1840. 
Mary Robinson, born March 27, 1819 ; Lizzie Zebiah Dol- 
beah, born June 27, 1821 ; Clarissa, born August 27, 1823 ; 
Benjamin Bates, born May 6, 1826 ; Arethusa Caroline, born 
August 7, 1828; Harriet Augusta, born October 9, 1830; 
Catherine Harris, born September 4, 1833 ; Lyman Reed, 
born August 24, 1835. 



352 APPENDIX. 

Samuel married Julia Ann Stetson, April 16, 1834. Their 
cliildreu were — 

Samuel Newton, born June 19, 1847; Henry Augustus, 
born August 17, 1850; Julia Annette, born December 8, 
1855. 

Susan married Abraham Holmes, May — , 1844. Their 
children were — 

George Nye, born February 4, 1845 ; Samuel Blaise, born 
July 17, 1846; died February 7, 1848; Susan Elizabeth, 
born July 11, 1848; Sally Blake, born February 18, 1850; 
Mary Robinson, born May 21, 1853; died November 18, 
1856. William E., born June 29, 1855 ; died August 13, 

1856. Benjamin B., born October 13, 1857. 

Sally married Nathaniel Gushing, September, 1839 ; and 
died vSeptember 3, 1840. 

Mary Robinson married Jacob Fullerton, January 7, 1344, 
and died August 14, 1856. Their children were — 

Mary Eila, born January 12, 1843; died July 26, 1846. 
William Blake, born October 8, 1844 ; died December 24, 
1844. 

Betsey Z. D., married Lemuel R. Mears, May 8, 1851. 
Their children Avere — 

John, born October 29, 1854 ; Henry Edwards, born De- 
cemLer 5, 1856. 

Benjamin Bates married Eunice Howard, October 28, 1847, 
and died August 12, 1857. Their children were — 

Mary Ella, born February 12, 1850; Benjamin Howard, 
born November 13, 1851. 

Catherine Harris married John R. Brown, January 20, 
1853, and died January 13, 1861. Their children were — 

Lyman Reed, born May 27, 1854 ; died October 15, 1854. 
Catherine Blake, born November 11, 1860. 

Harriet Augusta married Auther Faunce, November 25, 

1857, and died June 27, 1860. 

Lyman Reed married Susie V. Ilolli?, November 27, 1855. 
Their children were — 

Edith E., born October 15, 1857; Gordon, born April 15, 
1864. 



APPENDIX. - 353 

Thomas BLANcnARD, who was the ancestor of the larger 
part of tlie New England families of the name of Blanchard, 
came from Loudon in the year. 1639. It is supposed that he- 
settled in Braintree, Mass., where he is known to have lived 
from 1646 to 1651. lu the year 1651, he purchased a house 
and farm of two hundred acres, on Mystick-side, Charlestown, 
Mass., to Avhich place he removed the same year, and where 
he died in May, 1654. lie was three times married. By his 
first wife he had four sons, (all born in England,) who settled 
in Xew England. lie married for his second wife, in England, 
widow Agnes Barnes, who died on the passage to America, 
leaving an infant child, which died shortly after, on board the 
ship. He again married, iu New England, his third wife, 

Mary , who survived him, and she died a widow in 

1676. 

1. The sons of Thomas Blanchard were — 

(2) George — the eldest — who settled in Charlestown, Mass., 
where he died March 18, 1700, aged about 82 years ; Thomas, 
who settled in Maiden, Mass., and died in December, 1650 ; 
Samuel, who settled in Andover, Mass., and died April 22, 
1707, aged about 80 years. 

2. Nathaniel Blanchard, son of Thomas, was born in 
England in 1636. He married, December 16, 1658, in 
Charlestown, Susannah Bates, and soon after removed to 
Weymouth, Mass., where he died in August, 1676. Ilis 
widow again married in 1680, Thomas Bass, of Braintree. 
The children of Nathaniel and Susannah were — 

(3) John, born March 27, 16G0 ; Mary, born December 1, 
1662 ; Nathaniel, born September 25, 1665 ; Edward, boru 
June 7, 1668 ; Mercy, born April 14, 1674. 

3. John Blanchard, son of (2) Nathaniel, born March 27, 

1660, married Abigail , and died March 10, 173;^. She 

died December 19, 1724. The children of John and Abigail 
were — 

(4) Sarah, born August 19, 1686; Mary, born August 1, 

30* 



354 APPEKDIX. 

1689; John, born October 14, 1691; Thomas, born , 

1694; Samuel, born September 19, 1697; Nathaniel, born 
May 19, 1701 ; Jonathan, born June 2, 1704; Abigail, born 

October 31, 1711; Nicholas, born -, ; died January 

19, 1733. 

4. John Blauchard, son of (3) John and Abigail, born 
October 14, 1691, married April 4, 1720, Elizabeth Gross, of 
Ilingham. Died May, 1752. Their children were — 

(5) John, born March 16, 1721 ; Samuel, born August 30, 
1724; Daniel, born March 26, 1727; Joshua, born October 
8, 1729; David, born January 1, 1731; Theophilus, born 
August 13, 1733 ; Elizabeth, born November 9, 1734; Nich- 
olas, born April 10, 1736 ; Nchemiah, born October 17, 1738 ; 
Adam, born June 17, 1740 ; John, born March 16, 1742. 

5. Daniel Blanchard, son of (4) John and Elizabeth, born 
March 26, 1727, married Mary Pratt, February 7, 1754. 
Died August 28, 1798. The children of Daniel and Mary 
were — 

(6) Daniel, born March 5, 1755 ; Josiah, born August 9, 
1756 ; Elizabeth, born September 1, 1758 ; Ebenezer, born 
December 1, 1760 ; Hannah, born March 15, 1763 ; Nathaniel, 
born March 23, 176G ; Ezra, born September 22, 1770; Micah, 
born April 15, 1773 ; Bela, born April 2, 1775 ; Nabby, born 
October 1, 1778. 

6. Daniel Blanchard, son of Daniel and Mary, born March 
5, 1755, married Mary Vinson, April 8, 1782, He died May 
11, 1833. Their children were — 

(7) Daniel, born January 1, 1783; died October 13, 1837. 
Ebenezer, born October 21, 1784; Cyrus, born October 13, 
1787 ; Mary, born April 12, 1792. 

7. Daniel Blanchard, of Weymouth, son of (6) Daniel and 
Mary, born January 1, 1783, married Ruth Hunt, of Abing- 
ton, September 19, 1803. He removed to Abiugton. Their 
children were — 

(8) Daniel, born May 15, 1805; Ruth, born January 1, 
1807; died August 11, 1828. Maria, born December 21, 
1808 ; died September 1 , 1828. Vinson, born March 1, 1810 ; 




v'f!) ''f";;-;,"!' g mw\' 



7 



APPENDIX. 355 

Samuel Beal, born August 11, 1812 ; died December 31, 1836. 
Enielinc, bora July 8, 1815 ; Lucy Ann, born April 8, 1817 ; 
died January 2, 1839. Sarah Kiugmau, born August 16, 
1819 ; Leonard, born September 19, 1821 ; Ira, borii August 
21, 1823 ; Nathaniel Bailey, born July 16, 1827 ; died August 
7, 1862. 

8. Daniel Blanchard, son of Daniel and Ruth, born May 
15, 180"i, married Louisa Shaw, of Abington, December I"', 

1834. Their children were — 

(9) Daniel Henry, born September 23, 1836 ; Samuel Beal, 
born March 19, 1838 ; died November 19, 1838. Louisa 
Maria, born April 6, 1840 ; died April 23, 1863. Louisa 
Maria Blanchard graduated at the Moimt Ilolyoke Female 
Seminary, July 24, 1862. 

8. Vinson Blanchard, sou of Daniel and Ruth, born March 
1, 1810, married Clarissa Whiting, of Abington, April 30, 

1835. Their children were — 

(9) Clarissa Maria, born March 19, 1837 ; Samuel Vinson, 
born April 11, 1339 ; Elias Nash, born December 30, 1840; 
Edwin, born November 13, 1842 ; Adelia, born November 30, 
1845 ; died July 10, 1856. Alfred, born May 19, 1847 ; died 
June 27, 1856. Lillian Rowena, born August 27, 1850; 
Lester, born November 20, 1855. 

8. Emcline Blanchard, daughter of Daniel and Ruth, bora 
July 8, 1815, married Isaac Brown, of East Bridgewater, 
January 24, 1838. Their children were — 

(9) Sarah Elizabeth, born November 29, 1838 ; died Sep- 
tember 22, 1840. Isaac Gilbert, born April 11, 1842. 

8. Sarah K. Blanchard, daughter of Daniel and Ruth, bora 
August 16, 1819, married Josiah K. Fuller, of Abington, June 
9, 1839. Their children were — 

(9) Henrietta Arlington, born June 22, 1841 ; Henry 
Eustice, born July 30, 1843 ; Sarah Emeline, born August 
15, 1845; Josiah Francis, born October 10, 1847; Lizzie 
Florence, born October 2, 1854. Henrietta Arlington Fuller 
^aduated at the Mount Holyoke Female Seminary, July 25, 
1861. 



356 APPENDIX. 

8. Leonard Blanchard, son of Daniel and Ruth, born Sep- 
tember 21, 1821, married Elvira A. Curtis, October 21, 1841. 
Their children were — 

(9) Leonard Everett, born December 4, 1842; died July 
23, 1845. Elvira Ann, born Sejitember 11, 1845; Leonard 
Francis, born January 30, 1849. 

8. Ira Blanchard, son of Daniel and Ruth, born August 21, 
1823, married Elizabeth S. Pratt, October 31, 1844. Their 
children Avere — 

(9) Emma Florietta, born September 6, 1849 ; died Decem- 
ber G, 1850. Clarence Thurber, born October 11, 1851 ; died 
December 18, 1855. Arthur Elbert, born November 25, 1854 ; 
Alice Thurber, born October 7, 1853. 

8. Nathaniel Baily, son of Daniel and Ruth, born July 16, 
1827, married Beulah P. Fisher, of Edgartown, August II, 
185G. Their children were — 

(9) Florence, born August 10, 1857; died September 7, 
1858. Herbert Folliat, born December 31, 1853; Chester 
Ellsworth, born March 18, 1861, 

Nathaniel Baily graduated at Amherst College in 1853, and 
completed his theological course at the Seminary in Bangor, 
in 1355. He was ordained to the Christian ministry at 
Edgartown, Mass., July 15, 1856. He preached at Plymouth 
more than three years. He was installed pastor of the First 
Congregational Church of North Bridgewater, September 18, 
1861, and remained pastor of that church to the time of his 
death, August 7, 1862. 

9. Daniel Henry, son of Daniel and Louisa, born September 
23, 1836, married Ann Rosella Weston, of Weymouth, June 
9, 1864. 



APPENDIX. 357 



B R O TV N. 

EiciiARD Brown, a remote descendant of Anthony Brown, 
emigrated to this country from England with Edith, his wife, 
and settled in Newbury, Mass., in 1633. Among other sons 
he had Joshua, born April 10, 1G42, who married Sarah 
Sawyer, January 15, 16G8 ; had, among others, Samuel, (the 
first minister of this town,) born September 5, 1687. He 
entered Harvard College on the 3d of July, 1705 ; took his 
degree July 2, 1709 ; preached his first sermon in Haverhill, 
July 22, 1710; came to Abington to preach December 8, 
1711, and was ordained pastor of the church November 17, 
1714. He married Dorothy Woodbridge, of Newbury, Octo- 
ber 29, 1712, and moved to Abington in December of the 
same year. His wife died April 5, 1718, after giving birth 
to three children, only one of whom — Woodbridge, born Sep- 
tember 18, 1714 — survived. Pie married, 2d, Mary Pratt, 
February 11, 1719, by whom he had four children, who all 
died young. 

Woodbridge, son of Samuel, married Anne Emery, of New- 
bury, and had four sons and two daughters. Samuel, bora 
November 10, 1737; John, born February 7, 1739; Josiah, 
born December 27, 1740; Joseph, born August 13, 1745; 
Dorothy, born February 29, 1748; Mary, born August 27, 
1752. 

Samuel, son of Woodbridge, married Deborah Torrey. 
Children — Mehitable, born November 23, 1760 ;- Woodbridge, 
born February 1, 1763; Sarah, born December 30, 1764; 
Samuel, born November 21, 1767; Daniel, born December 
31, 1769 ; Dorothy, born April 8, 1772 ; Polly, born April 22, 
1776 ; Joseph, born November 30, 1778 (died young) ; Enoch, 
born October 19, 1780; Anne E., born February 8, 1784 
(died young). 

Mehitable married Ephraim Whitman. 

Woodbridge married Harriet Norton. Children — Nancy, 
born October 6, 1786 ; Walston, born August 20, 1788 ; Eliza- 
beth T., born August 3, 1790 ; Samuel N., born January 9, 



358 APPENDIX. 

1794 ; Austin, born April 4, 1798 ; Bela, born September 23, 
1803. 

Sarah married James Nash. Children — James, born De- 
cember 16, 1785 ; Micah, born October 31, 1788; Ira, born 
August 20, 1791 ; Polly, born October 25, 1794; Selina H., 
born November 24, 1796 ; Dorothy, born July 8, 1805. 

Samuel married Susannah Dyer. Children — Susannah D., 
born August 1, 1794 ; Diantha, born March 11, 1796 ; Samuel, 
born August 11, 1802 (died young) ; Lysauder, born Septem- 
ber 14, 1804. 

Daniel married Mehital)le Tirrell. Children — Charlotte, 
born April 2, 1793; Oakes P., born August 21, 1796; 
married, 2d, Mehitable Porter, of Stoughton. Children — 
Daniel E., born April 25, 1798 ; Joseph, born December 23, 
1801 ; Mehitable ; Samuel W. ; Cyrus L., born September 5, 
1812. 

Dorothy married John Reed. Children — John ; Orin ; 
Nancy ; Molly ; Ruth. 

Polly married John Pool ; settled in Easton ; recently died 
at a very advanced age ; lived together over seventy years. 
Children — four sons and three daughters. 

Walston Brown married Betsy Wales. Children — Betsy 
W., bora November 18, 1811 ; William, born November 6, 
1813 ; Woodbridge, born November 6, 1813 ; Mehitable W., 
born December 7, 1815 ; Austin W,, born September 6, 1818; 
Washington, born October 26, 1819 ; Mary N., born January 
21, 1822 ; diejd January 28, 1854. Hannah N., born January 
21, 1822 ; died August 10, 1864. Walston A., born February 
19, 1827 ; died March 19, 1832. W. Augustus, born April 
8, 1834 ; died November 9, 1861. 

Betsy W. married Augustus Leonard ; William married 
Julia Whiting, of Iliugham. Children — Mary A., born Sep- 
tember 7, 1845 ; Julie C, born December 7, 1847 ; died July 
2, 1853. Caroline G., born October 24, 1853 ; died January 
17, 1854. Anna 11., born May 23, 1855; Nellie D., born 
February 12, 1859. 

Woodbridge married Mary Nash. Chikb^n — Eliot, born 



APPENDIX. 359 

December 13, 1852 ; Lille, born June 25, 1856 ; Grace "W., 
born November 6, 1860. 

Meliitable married Cyrus Brown. 

Mary N. married Henry J. Pratt. 

Washington married, December 2, 1850, Mary A. II. Sil- 
vester, born in Scituate, December 20, 1829. Children — 
Marian, born March 24, 1853 ; died March 25, 1862. Anna 
M., born November 10, 1855 ; Lucy W., born June 25, 
1859 ; Arthur IL, born May 10, 1864. 

S. Norton married Priscilla S. Beal. Children — Samuel 
N., born March 7, 1828; died June 17, 1831. Mary E., 
born May 11, 1830; married Otis W. Soule, of Middle- 
borough. Caroline, born July 24, 1833; married Setli W. 
Bennett. Sarah J., born November 16, 1841 ; married 
Sullivan Burgess, of Decatur, 111. 

Austin married Abigail Noyes. Children — Bela N., bora 
April 23, 1824 ; Austin W., born January 20, 1826 ; Abby 
W., born February 20, 1836 ; Henry II., boi-n June 15, 1839 ; 
married Martha A. Roberts. Children — Nellie F., born Feb- 
ruary 6, 1859; died November 11, 1863. Harry A., born 
July 31, 1861 ; Freddy S., born May 3, 1864. 

Bela married Ruth Wiiiting. Children — Harriet "W., born 
December 28, 1830 ; died August 18, 1844. Benjamin, born 
April 4, 1834 ; Serena L., born August 7, 1836 ; Samuel N., 
born August 6, 1838 ; died October 12, 1859. Lizzie T., born 
May 17, 1842; died September 13, 1857. Charles F., born 
November 5, 1844 ; died Se^jtember 20, 1848. 

Benjamin married Sylvia C. Smith, of Mattapoisett. Child 
— Lizzie T., born July 17, 1863. 

Joseph married Mary Porter. Child — Charlotte A., born 
March 3, 1830 ; married William Noyes. 

Mehitable married Arthur McKeuney. 

Joseph W., born May 21, 1839 ; married Lucia F. Reed. 
Cliild— Freddie W. 

George A., born October 14, 1842. 

Cyrus married Mehitable Brown. Children — Livingston, 
boru September 16, 1836 ; died Januaiy 21, 1839. Henry L., 



360 APPENDIX. 

born August 18, 1841 ; married Leonora Young. Ellen M., 
born August 18, 1843 ; married Frederic Reed. Children — 
HaiTiet W., born May 17, 1848 ; Frank W., born March 7, 
1855 ; Charles A., born Marcli 21, 1858. 



COBB. 

Thomas Cobb, a native of England, married a lady by the 
name of Banister. They emigrated to America about the 
year 1690, and settled in Ilingham, in the State of Massa- 
chusetts, where they reared a family of five sons and one 
daughter, viz., — 

Thomas, Richard, Elisha, John, and Abiel. Name of the 
daughter not known ; but she Avas married to a man by the 
name of Tower. John, fourth son of Thomas Cobb, was 
born in Hingham in the year 1697. He married Sarah 
Derby of the same town. Their children were — 

Sarah, Susan, Richard, John. Edward, Mary, and David. 

Capt. Edward, third son of John and Sarah Cobb, was born 
August 16, 1731. He married Abigail Shaw, who was born 
April, 1731. They moved to Abiugton about the year 1764, 
or 1767. Their children were — 

Sarah, born July 7, 1754 ; married John Hunt. Mary, 
born August, 1758 ; married Scth Porter. John, born Janu- 
ary 2, 1760 ; married Anna White. Susanna, born April, 
1762 ; married Samuel Beals. Abigail, born June 14, 1764; 
married Samuel Thayer. Edward, born April 20, 1767; 
married Lydia Torrey. Alice, born May 14, 1769 ; married 
Elijah Gloyd. Ruth, born August 21, 1771 ; married Elisha 
Faxon. He died August 9, 1797 ; she died April 5, 1791. 

John, eldest son of Edward and Abigail Cobb, married 
Anna White, of Abington. He died November 20, 1814, 
aged 54 years ; she died August 9, 1827, aged 62 years. 
Their children were — 

Jacob, born January 17, 1783 ; man-ied Polly Torrey. 
John, born May 23, 1785; married Olive French. Cephas, 



APPENDIX. 361 

born July 31, 1788; married Luua Newton. Mary, boru 
September 28, 1790; married Ebenezer Shaw. Asahel, bora 
IMuy 8, 1793; married Helen M. Hamlin. Anna, born Sep- 
tember 25, 1795; died August 24, 1827; unmarried. Ed- 
ward, born May 4, 1798 ; married Zerniah Faxon. Susanna, 
born February 18, 1801 ; married Cornelius Dunham. Austin, 
born May 26, 1803 ; married Lydia R. Stetson. Clarinda, 
born November 12, 1805; died July 24, 1827; unmarried. 
Luther, born March 31, 1808 ; married Nancy W. Gushing. 

Jacob, eldest son of John and Anna Cobb, married Polly 
Torrey, of Abington. He died July 2, 1854 ; his wife died 
May 21, 1854. Their children were — 

Sophronia, born March 19, 1S07; Jacob Torrey, born June 
10, 1809 ; died December 8, 181G. Baxter, born October 2, 
1811; Polly, born February 24, 1813; Betsey Faxon, bora 
October 4, 1^18 ; died July 10, 1819. 

Sophronia, eldest daughter of Jacob and Polly Cobb, married 
Isaac Robbins, of Abiugton, November 15, 1826. Their chil- 
dren were — 

Clarinda, born September 13, 1827 ; married Jas. I. Emery. 
Betsey Faxon, boi-n June 25, 1835 ; Matilda Sophronia, bora 
December 13, 1838. 

Baxter, second son of Jacob and Polly Cobb, married Martha 
P. Durant, of Charlestown, N. H., September 5, 1839. Their 
children Avere — 

Jacob Baxter, born March 19, 1852 ; Richard Henry, bora 
December 13, 1853. 

Polly, second daughter of Jacob and Polly Cobb, married 
Joseph Vaughn, of Abington, July 15, 1S40. Their children 
■were — 

Alvin Baxter, born October 27, 1841 ; Jacob Atherton, 
born July 20, 1843 ; married Rhoda Asenath Rigby, Novem- 
ber 20, 1864. Joseph Edward, boru August 29, 1846 ; Austin, 
born September 6, 1851. 

John, second son of John and Anna Cobb, was twice 
married ; first, to Olive French ; second, to Electa Boleyn, 
on the 1st of June, 1832, at Northampton, to which place he 
31 



362 APPEXDIX. 

had removed. He died February 18, 1860. The children by 
tlie fi)'st wife were — 

Nelson, born March 15, 1803; Lopha, born January 29, 
l.':U9 (dead); Charles A., born May 12, 1810; Anna, born 
June 10, 1811 (dead); John F., born August 15, 1814; 
Anson, born May 10, IS 16 (dead) ; Samuel N., born March 
3, 1818; Cliutha, born April 22, 1821; George W., bora 
January 22, 1323. The children by the second wife were — 
Edward Martin, Lewis Burney, Anna White (dead). 

Cephas, third son of John and Anna Cobb, removed to 
Westfield, Mass., and married Luna Newton, of Connecticut. 
He died November 7, 1836, aged 48 years. Their children 
Avere — 

Gilbert William, born February 4, 1829 ; died January 25, 
1859 (unmarried). Mozart, born April 11, 1830; died May 
29, 1832. Mary Jane, born October 12, 1831 ; died Novem- 
ber 30, 1.^57 (_unmarried). Clara Clarinda, born May '24, 
1833 (married). Louisa Antoinette, born September 20, 
1835 ; died March, 1839. 

JNIary, eldest daughter of John and Anna Cobb, was married 
to Ebenezer Shaw. She died April 1, 1863. Tiieir children 
Avei'e — 

Mary, born October 22, 1812 ; married Noah Reed. Rachel, 
born March 2, 1814; married Daniel Shaw. Susanna, born 
April 21, 1816; married George Hammond. Olive, born 
October 8, lb 18; married Charles Stetson. Hannah, born 
February 21, ls21 ; married Francis P. Holden. Annis 
White, born August 2, 1823 (died unmarried). Elizer Davis, 
born May 29, 1826 ; married to James M. Haines. 

Asahel, fourth son of John and Anna Cobb, removed to 
Sandwich, Mass., where he married Helen M. Hamlin, May 
21, 1831. He now resides at Acushnet, Mass., where he is 
settled as pastor of a Congregationalist Church. Their chil- 
dren were — 

Lucia Dillingham, born April 27, 1835 ; John Edward, 
born August 2, 1836 ; married Abbie Tobey Nye, January 
12, 1865. Wendell Hamlin, born October 9, 1S38 ; Sarah 



APPENDIX. 863 

Porter, born December 10, 1840; George Asahel, born May 
13, 1842; Melon Maria, born July 24, 1845; Anna Zcrniah, 
born Juue 2";, 1848. 

Edward, fiftli son of Johu and Anna Cobb, married Zei'uiah 
Faxon. He died June 8, 1841 ; they had one son — Edward 
White, born February 19, 1824 — who married Elmina 
Howard, January 1, 1855. 

Susanna, third daughter of John and Anna Cobb, was 
married to Cornelius Dunham, August 13, 1819. She died 
August 20, 1848. Their children were — 

Betsey, born November 7, 1S20 ; Cornelius Livingston, bora 
March 11, 1823; married Mary Pratt, November 15, 1855. 
Anna Clarinda, born January 22, 1825 (died unmarried). 

Austin, sixth son of John and Anna Cobb, married Lydia 
R. Stetson, of Hanover, Mass. Their children were — 

Lydia Ann, born June 5, 1852, married Isaac L. Wright. 
Elizabeth Alice, born September 9, 1831 ; married George 
L. Wright, May 21, 1S56. Susan, born September I, 1838. 

Luther, seventh son of Johu and Anna Cobb, married 
Nancy W. Gushing, April 9, 1830. Their children were — 

Nancy Ann, born October 30, 1833; married William 
T. Tibbetts, January 25, 1855. Elizabeth, born December 
13, 1838 ; married Charles A. Cooper. Franklin, born May 
25, 1844. 



COOK. 

1. Francis Cook, who came in the Mayflower^ as appears 
by the Old Colony Records, had two sous, Jacob and Johu, 
and probably Josias and Thomas. 

2. Jacob, son of Francis, was admitted a freeman in 1G48. 
He had three sons (if no more) : Jacob, Francis and Caleb. 

3. Francis, son of Jacob, in his will proved in 1732, 
mentions Caleb, his son, the children of Robert, his deceased 
sou, his daughter Elizabeth, and the children of his deceased 
son, Francis. 

4. Robert, son of Francis, in his will proved in 1731, 



364 APPENDIX. 

names his sons Charles, Nathaniel, Robert, Francis and 
Simeon ; and appoints Caleb Cook, his brother, executor. 

5. Nathaniel, son of Robert, died in 17G0 ; his estate was 
represented insolvent. His children were Isaac, Levi and 
Mary. 

6. Isaac, son of Nathaniel, died before 1798 : a guardian 
was that year appointed for his minor son, Isaac. 

6. Levi, son of Nathaniel, came into this town as early as 
1772 or 1773, and married Sarah Pool, daughter of Joshua 
Pool, by whom he had a numerous family, viz. : John, 
Susanna, Levi, Nathaniel, Mary, Peleg, Deborah, Asa, Isaac, 
Robert, Randall, and Thomas Jefferson. 

John, son of Levi, moved to New York City ; had five 
children — John, Ann, Hiram, Harriet and Samuel. 

Levi moved to Plainfield, Mass. ; had one child — Mary. 

Nathaniel had several children — Nathaniel, Mary G., Ann, 
Miller, Henry, Isaac, Bartlett, Susan C, Frederic, George 
W., and others. 

Peleg had several children — Peleg, Edna, John W., 
Thurza, Levi, Joshua, Henry, Mary S., Susan, Sarah, and 
others. 

Isaac moved to Hanover; had three children — Bethia, 
Abigail and Nancy. 

Asa had ten children — Sarah, Davis H., Pamelia, Asa, 
Lucy, Lydia, Joseph, Mary E., Emeline IL, and Abigail W. 

Robert had several children — Robert, Betsey A., Thomas 
C, Levi F., Joshua, Lydia M., Lucius, and others. 

Randall had seven children — Sarah J., Ellen M., Fidelia 
H., Harriet B., Randall W., Edward C, and Carrie I. 

Thomas had two children — Thomas H., and James L. 

Children of Levi, 12 ; grandchildren, 69 ; great-grand- 
children, 135 ; great-great-grandchildren, 12. 



APPENDIX. 365 



The first I can find of the name Avas Robert Cortiiell, 
of Iliiighain, who was stolen, when a small boy, on his Avay to 
school in Scotland, and brought to Hingham about 1740, 
where he died at a good old age, leaving three sons. The 
youngest, Shereblah, married Lydia Whiton, of Hingham. 
lie lived there, and in Halifax, a number of years, and then 
moved into South Abington, where he died October 22, 1S36, 
aged 77 years ; his wife died November G, 1842, aged 79 
years. Their children were — 

Polly, John, Ilosea, Lydia, Hannah, Merrill and Sherebiah. 

Polly married Samuel Reed, Esq,, of East Abington ; she 
died June 10, 1832, aged 44 years. Their children were — 

Mary, wife of John Burrill ; Samuel ; Levi, State Auditor ; 
Dexter ; and Mehitable, wife of George Lewis. 

John died October 4, 1853, in South Abington, aged 68 
years. His wife was Joali Phillips ; he left John (who lives 
in Boston), Martha, Lucy, and Augustus, having buried Mary 
Brigham, Joan Ford, and Warreu, before he died. 

Hosea died in Boston, October 30, 1861, aged 75 years. 
He left William and James (twins) by his first wife, Susanna 
Pierce, of Portsmouth, N. IL, and three sous and three daugh- 
ters by his second wife, Susanna Leitner, of London, England. 
His sons, William and James, live in South Abington. 

Lydia mari-ied David Pratt, of East Abington, where she 
died, aged 44 years. She left Addison and Almera. 

Hannah died, unmarried, July 14, 1826, aged 35 years. 

Merrill married Lot Whitmarsh, and lives in East Bridge- 
water. 

Sherebiah lives in South Abington ; has three sons by his 
first wife, Mehitable Noyes, — Gilbert W., Daniel M., and 
James H. ; and Samuel M., by his second wife, Hannah Cobb, 
of Carver. All but G ilbert are in the array ; four grandsons 
and nine great-grandsons are now or have been in active 
service in the Union Army in the present great Rebellion. 
31* 



APPENDIX. 



3D TT N :B J^ lEt. 

The earliest known settler of this name in New England 
was Robert Dunbar, of Ilinghara, who had a son born there 
in 1657, and bought land of Richard Dwelle in 1G59. Some 
circumstances indicate that this person may have been one of 
the Scotch prisoners sent to the Massachusetts Colony in 1652 
by Cromwell, after the battles of Dunbar and Worcester; 
although his name is not found on the imperfect list of these 
prisoners, which still exists. His descendants now living in 
Abington trace their descent from him, as follows : — 

I. Robert Dunbar, of Hingham. married Rose . His 

children Avere — John, born 1657; Mary, born 1660, and 
married Isaac Harris ; Joseph, born 1662 ; James, born 
1664; Peter, born 1668; Joshua, born 1670; Robert, bora 
and died 1673 ; Hannah, born 1677. A son Benjamin died 
1688. John, Joseph and Joshua married and left children in 
Hingham and vicinity ; James moved to Bridgewater and died 
1690, and his only surviving son died 1706. The fother's 
death is recorded in Hohaii's Diary : — " Robert Dunbarr, a 
Scotchman, died the 19th September, 1693." His will is to 
be found in the Suffolk Registry. Mrs. Rose Dunbar, his 
widow, died 1700. 

II. Peter, (son of Robert above,) born 1668 ; married 
Sarah, daughter of Samuel Thaxter, 1691 ; moved to Bridge- 
water about 1706, and died about 1720. His children were — 
Sarah, born in Weymouth, 1693 ; James, born 1694 ; Elisha, 
born 1699; Samuel, born 1704; Peter, born 1705; Josiah, 
born 1706 ; John, born 1709 ; David, born 1711. 

III. Elisha, (sou of Peter above,*) born 1699 ; married 
Mercy, daughter of James Hay ward, of Bridgewater, 1727. 
His children were — Abigail; Jacob; Lemuel, who was a 



* Mitchell's History of Bridgewater, following Gary's authority, 
erroneously makes Elisha the son of James, who died in BridgCAvater, 
1690 ; but this is impossible. Elisha's birth, as stated m the text, is 
settled, morevcr, by the record at Hingham. 



APPENDIX. 367 

captain in the French War, and died 1762; Elisha ; Seth ; 
Nathaniel, who was lost in the massacre at Fort William 
Henry ; Peter ; and Silas. Elisha Dunbar, the father, died 
1773. 

IV. Peter, (son of Elisha above,) born 1741 ; married, 
17(U, Relief, daughter of Cupt. Theophilus Curtis, of Stough- 
tou. Their children were — Betsey, Abigail, Moses Curtis, 
Relief, Peter, Sybil, IMoses Curtis, Lemuel, Simeon, David, 
Jonathan, Asaph and Aniasa. Lieut. Peter Dunbar, the 
father, served in the Revolutionary Army, and died 1817. 
His widow, Mrs. Relief Dunbar, died 1839, aged 96. 

V. Asaph, (son of Peter above,) born June 8, 1789; 
married, 1812, Nancy, daughter of Captain Noah Ford, of 
Abington, and settled in this town. Their children were — 
1. Susan Ford, born 1813, and died in infancy; 2. Alden 
Ford, now of New Orleans ; 3. William Hai'rison, now of 
Boston ; 4. Emily, died 1841 ; 5. George Curtis, of New Yox'k ; 
6. Charles Franklin, of Boston. 



33 xj isr H A. m: . 

Tradition says that this family descended from Sir Richard 
Dunham, Knight, in England. 

The name of Dunham is found among the early settlers of 
Plymouth Colony. 

I. Cornelius Dunha^i (father of Captain Cornelius) was 
born in Plymouth in 1724, and died in Plymouth, March 21, 
17GG, aged 42 years. Patience, his consort, died in Abing- 
ton, September 1.5, 1807, aged 83 years. 

The above-named, Cornelius and Patience, had four children 
— three sons and one daughter : Cornelius, George, Patience 
and James. Cornelius married Lydia Atwood ; George mar- 
ried a Lucas ; Patience married a Perkins ; James settled on 
the Fox Lslands, in Maine. 

II. Captain Cornelius Dunham was born in that part of 
Plymouth (now Carver), Sejitember 17, 1748; was a sea- 



APPENDIX. 



captain many years ; held a commission in a prirateer in the 
"War of the RevoUition ; Avas captured and taken to Halifax, 
N. S., Avhere, soon after the evaciition of Boston by the British, 
he purchased of a British soldier the identical sword with 
■which General Warren fell, previously, on Bunker Hill. The 
sword is now in possession of the Banker Hill Association, of 
which Capt. Dunham was honorary member. Capt. Dunham 
removed to Abington about the year 1794, and lived subse- 
quently in Carver, Hartford, Belfast, Me., and Bristol, in the 
same State. He died in Bristol, July 15, 1835, aged 87 
years. Mrs. Lydia, his wife, died in Abington, June 5, 1841, 
a^ed 88 years. Capt. Cornelius and Lydia had six children — 
five sons and one daughter, viz., Cornelius, Henry, Ezra, 
Isaac and Thomas (twins), and Lydia Atwood, all of whom 
were born in Plymouth. 

HI. Mr. Ezra Dunham was born in Plymouth, May 10, 
1785 ; married, first, Susanna Ford, of Abington, January 30, 
1806. They had one son, Henry, born October 13, 1806 ; 
second, married Polly Cary, daughter of Howard Cary, Esq., 
of North Bridgewater. They had seven sons and three 
daughters, viz., Susan, Howard Cary, Worthy Columbus, 
Charles Atwood, Cornelius Thomas, Ezra Rider, Angeline 
Huldah, Elbridge Cary, Francis William, and Lydia Howard. 

Mrs. Susanna Dunham died in Abington, March 23, 1809, 
aged 22 years. Mr. Ezra Dunham died May 31, 1857, aged 
72 years. Widow Polly Dunham is still living (1865). 

IV. General Henry Duuham, born October 13, 1806 ; 
married Mary Gushing, born April 2, 1805, daughter of 
Colonel Brackley Gushing, of Abington, April 8, 1826. Their 
children were — 

V. Charles Henry, born October 30, 1827; died June 17, 
1832. 

V. Brackley Gushing, born September 2, 1829 ; man-ied 
Elizabeth T. Hunt, November 2, 1859. 

V. Sarah Maria, born November 9, 1831 ; died December 
18, 1810. 

V. Andrew, born November 25, 1833 ; married Mercy F. 



APPENDIX. 369 

Whitcorab, January 20, 1855. Children — VI. Sarah Maria, 
born January 20, 1856 ; VI. Emma Gertrude, born April 23^ 
1862. 

V. Ilervey, born October 18, 1835. 

V. Mary Gushing, born July 2, 1838 ; died November 23, 
1843. 

V. Caroline, born January 18, 1841 ; died September 10, 
1841. 

V. Emma Annette, born January 1, 1844. 

V. Josephine, born June 8, 1846 ; died September 17, 
1846. 

V. Susan Ford, born May 20, 1848. 

V. Frank, born May 25, 1850 ; died September 7, 1850. 

V. Annie Foyas, born August 20, 1852 ; died December 
14, 1854. 

IV. Susan, first child of Ezra and Polly Dunham, was 
born November 22, 1810 ; died October, 1852. 

IV. Howard C. Dunham, born in Abington Jan. 13, 1813 ; 
married Eliza Ann Drew, of Plymouth, May 28, 1844; had 
two sons — Charles Wesley, born in Ashbm-nham, Mass., April 
8, 1846, and Francis Howard, born in Leominster, Mass., 
November 18, 1847; died September 7, 1848, aged 9 months 
and 20 days. Howard C. resides in Winthrop, Mass. 

IV. Worthy C. Dunham, born in Abington June 17, 1815 ; 
was married to Irene Shaw, of Weymouth, December 24, 
1837. Their children were — 

V. Eensellaer, born September 16, 1838 ; died September 
17, 1839. 

V. Jotham Ellsworth, born May 3, 1842. 
. V. Sumner Ellis, born September 3, 1847 ; died September 
25, 1848. 

V. Irene Shaw, born October 23, 1851. 

V. Sarah WiUiams, born July 22, 1855. 

V. Abbie Weston, born August 30, 1858 ; died August 15, 
1859. 

Irene Shaw, wife of Worthy C. Dunham, died January 4, 



370 APPENDIX. 

1860, aged 42 years, 11 mouths, 9 clays; he next married 
Marilla Pratt, October 4, 1860. 

IV. Chailes A. Duuham, born in Abington August 12, 
1817; married, 1. Hannah Moore Studley, July 7, 1844, who 
■was born December 16, 1824, and died January 26, 1850. 
Their children were — 

V. Ellen, born April 17, 1845 ; died June 30, 1859. 

V. Wiuthrop, born November 18, 1818; died September 
23, 1849. 

2. Married Lucy Howard, January 22, 1851, by whom he 
has one cliild — 

V. Howard Gary, born December 23, 1852. 

IV. Cornelius T. Dunham, born in Abington, April 27, 
1820 ; was married on the 7th of July, 1847, to Mrs. Ann 
B. Jenkins, (formerly Poyas,) of Charleston, S. C. Their 
children were — 

V. Henry Lucius, born September 8, 1848. 
V. Edward Francis, boru July 24, 1851. 
V. Marion Porcher, born April 29, 1853. 
V. Mary Emma, boru August 7, 1857. 

V. Elizabeth Ann, boru February 18, 1859. 

V. Cornelia Thomas, boru April 24, 1862. Of these, all 
■were born in Charleston, S. C, excepting Mary Emma, who 
first saw the light in Abington ; and Cornelia, in AViuthrop, 
Mass. 

IV. Ezra R., born in Abington, September 26, 1822 ; 
married Mercy Ann Bartlett. Has three sons — 

V. Edwin Faxon. 

V. Albert and Arthur (twins) ; and resides iu Winthrop, 
Mass. 

IV. Augeliue Huldah was boru in Abington December 25, 
1824 ; married a Collins, of Vermont, by whom she had one 
son that died in infancy; and deceased November, 1854. 

IV. Elbridge Cary, born March 28, 1828 ; died April 29, 
1828. 

IV. Francis Williams, born August 20, 1829 ; died March 
31, 1849. 



APPENDIX. 371 

IV. Lydia H., born October 7, 1834 ; married, October 4, 
1853, Patrick O'Bi-ien, a native of Ireland. Ciiildren — 

V. Angeline Frances, born August 15, 1854. 
V. William Smith, born August 16, 1856. 

V. Delia Hammond, born December 22, 1862 ; died July 
23, 1864. "Our angel child." 

V. Robert Lincoln, born September 14, 1865. 

I. Cornelius Dunham, of the previous memorial, mari'ied 
Patience Barrows. Their children were — 

James, Cornelius, George, Patience and Sally. 

II. George, born 1753 ; died December 16, 1800. Married 
Phebe Lucas. Their children were — 

Patience, born January 6, 1780; died October 29, 1796. 
Phebe, born April 12, 1782; died September, 1843. George, 
born May 29, 1786 ; died October 9, 1810. Polly, born July 
3, 1787; Lucas, born February 2, 1790; Hervey, born May 

9, 1792 ; died May 24, 1833. Jesse, born October 15, 1794 ; 
Cornelius, born January 9, 1797. 

III. Lucas Dunham married Matilda Lovell, and lives in 
Plymouth. Their children were — 

George, born November 7, 1816 ; Lysander, born March 6, 
1818; Alfred, born December 20, 1819; died October 21, 
1843. Henry, born February 13, 1822 ; Patience, born Janu- 
ary 14, 1824 ; died April 27, 1840. Ruth L., born June 24, 
1826; died October 6, 1849. Matilda E., born November 
17, 1827. Elbridge G., born May 14, 1830; died January 
25, 1860. 

Jesse Dunham married Susannah Hunt. Their children 
were — 

George Augustus, born October 19, 1823 ; Mary Ann 
Davis, born August 21, 1826 ; Susan Maria, bora January 

10, 1833 ; Edward Everett, born October 8, 1835. 

Hervey Dunham married Eunice Thomas, and lived in 
Plymouth. 

Cornelius Dunham married Susannah Cobb. Their children 
were — 



372^ APPENDIX. 

Betsey Cobb, born November 7, 1820 ; Cornelius Livingston, 
born March 11, 1823 ; Ann Clarinda, born January 22, 1828 ; 
died October 13, 1859. 

Cornelius Dunham married, 2d, Evelina B. Fobes, and had 
one son — Hervey — born September 26, 1853. 

IV. George Dunham, eldest son of Lucas Dunham, married 
Clara Tliatcher. Their children were — 

Robert, Arthur, Lizzie, Celia and Matthew Thatcher. 

Lysander Dunham married Sarah Simmons, and resides in 
Plymouth. Their children were — 

Lysander Lovell and Abby Pierce. 

Ileni-y Dunham married Hannah M. Sprague. Their chil- 
dren were — 

Edwin Henry, born October 5, 1845 ; Charles Sumner, 
born October 17, 1853 ; Elliott Francis, born February 22, 
1856. 

George Augustus, eldest son of Jesse Dunham, married 
Eliza Bancroft. They have two daughters, Nelly and Katie, 
and reside near Chicago. 

Cornelius Livingston, son of Cornelius Dunham, married 
Mary Pratt. They have one daughter — Mary Livingston — 
born April 14, 1859. 



r> Y E R. 

The name Dyer was doubtless originally given to designate 
some individual by his occupation. It occui's in English 
Records as early as 1436, and I know not how much earlier. 
The Dyers were of English origin ; the name occurs in the 
Yorkshire Pedigrees. George Dyer, of Dorchester, came over 
in the Mary and John, May, 1630. William Dyer petitioned 
to be made a freeman in Weymouth, in 1635 or 1636. 
William Dyer, or Dyre, was one of the nineteen settlers of 
the Island Aquidneck in 1638, two years after the settlement 
of Providence. 

Mary Dyer, his wife, removed to Rhode Island in 1638. 
From them descended the Dyers of Rhode Island. 







I gHi^.r^ 



APPENDIX. 373 

Thomas Dyer, of "Weymouth, is supposed to have settled 
there ia 1632, or later. la 1644, he was admitted freeman. 
Pie was deacon of the church, and a prominent citizen ; he 
died in 1776, aged 64. He married Agnes Reed. Their 
children were — 

Mary, John, Thomas, Abigail, Sarah, Thomas, Joseph and 
Benjamiq. The two latter, twins. Joseph (twin) settled in 
Weymouth ; he married Hannah Frazy and Hannah Baxter. 
He had no living child by his first wife. By Hannah Baxter 
he had Joseph, Benjamin, Mary, John and Thomas. 

John and Thomas moved to Windham County, Conn., and 
from them sprung the Dyers of Connecticut. 

Benjamin (twin), son of Thomas Dyer, of Weymouth, 
married Mary. He settled in Boston ; lived at one time in 
Brattle Street; was a soldier in King Philip's War, in 1675 
and 1676. HoharCs Skclch of Abington says William Dyer 
was from Weymouth before 1699; but I have not yet been 
able to determine whose son this William was. He is said to 
have held lands in Abington, and afterwards to have returned 
to Weymouth ; but whom he married, or what children he 
had, I have not been able yet satisfactorily to determine. He 
is supposed to have been the father of Christopher, who mar- 
ried Hannah Nash, daughter of Ensign Nash. The children 
of Cliristopher and Hannah were — 

Mary, Hannah, Christopher, jr., Saifah, Jacob, Betty and 
James, born before 1743. 

Christopher, jr., married. The children of Christopher, jr., 
were — 

Bela, Joseph, Christopher, Benjamin, Jesse and Asa. Joseph 
died young. 

Bela and Christopher, 3d, settled in Abington ; Benjamin, 
in Ashfield, Mass. ; Jesse, in Plainfield ; Asa, in Skowhegan, 
Me. 

Bela Dyer, son of Christopher, jr., was a carpenter and 

Wheelwright ; he lived in an upright house, near the street, a 

few rods east of where Martin Stetson now lives. He, with 

his brother Christopher, built a mill for General Lincoln, ia 

32 



374 APPENDIX. 

Passamaquody, Me., in 1786. He married Ruth Hunt; died 
May 1, 1830, aged 73. He had three sons — Samuel, Bela 
and Albert. Samuel died young. Bela married Lydia White, 
and lives in Abington, near the old homestead. He has one 
sou, Samuel, residing in Abington. This Samuel married 
Lydia Alger, of Abington, September 16, 1841, by "vvhom he 
had three children — Bela Dyer, 2d, born July 4, 1843 (now a 
student in Amherst College), Edward and Edwin (twins), 
born April 4, 1851. His wife, Lydia, died April 4, 1851. 
Married, 2d, Sarah Dyer, of Skowhegan, Me., December 25, 
1855, by whom he has one child — Charles Dana Dyer — born 
October 3, 1857. 

Bela and Charles D. Dyer are the seventh generation now 
living on the patrimony of the first settlers. Albert married 
Polly Wilkes, and has one son, Henry, in California. 

Christopher, 3d, son of Christopher, jr., and brother of Bela, 
/married Deboi-ah Reed, of Abington, daughter of Samuel Reed, 
and of his third wife, Mary Young. The children of Christo- 
pher, 3d, and Deborah were — 

Cliristopher, Sally, Deborah, Mehitable, Lucy, Charles, 
Sally, Hervey, Mary and Samuel. 

Christopher, 4th, married Betsey Porter, eldest daughter of 
Ebenezer Porter, of South Abington. Their children were — 

Betsey, who died young ; Ebenezer Porter, Elizabeth La- 
vinia, Christopher, Maria Louisa, Sally, George, Gustavus, 
Edward Loring, Elihu Francis and Hcleu Amelia. 

Sally died young ; Deborah married Moses Bates, of East 
Bridgewater ; Mehitable married James Reed, of Abington ; 
Lucy married Jacob Bates, of East Bridgewater ; Charles 
married, 1st, Cynthia Jenkins, of Abington; 2d, Mary Ford; 
3d, Sophronia Oldham, both of Pembroke. He settled in 
Hanover. Sally married Elihu Hobart, Esq., of Abington ; 
Hervey inarried Ruth T. Reed, of Abington, for his first wife ; 

second, Lydia . He settled in Pembroke. Mary married 

Harvey Gurney ; he settled in Abington. Samuel married 
Margaret J. Ford, of Pembroke, and settled in Abington. 
They have one daughter — Margaret Augusta. 



APPENDIX. 375 

Of the children of Christopher, 4th, and Betsey, Ebenezer 
Porter married Esther Ann Hough, of Canterbury, Conn. He 
graduated at Brown University in 1833, and in 1838 entered 
the ministry. They had ten children, three of whom died 
young. He now resides at N. Somcrville. 

Elizabeth L. married Charles Cummings, of Medford ; 
Christopher, 5th, married Almira Littlefield, of East Stough- 
ton ; Maria L. married Ebenezer Alden, of Eandolph ; Sally 
married Daniel M. FuUcrton, of Abington ; George Gustavus 
married Mary A. B. Sampson, of Plymouth ; Edward L. mar- 
ried Lavinia Gannet, of Hanson. He enlisted in the army for 
three years : before his term of service expired, he was taken 
sick, came home, and died. He left two sons in Abington — 
Edward Oscar and Ebenezer Alden. Elihu Francis married 
Mary Thomas, of Rochester ; has two daughters, and no sons. 
He is the only son of Christopher, 4th, now residing in town. 
This closes the line of which Capt. Christopher Dyer is the 
oldest male rein*esentative in Abington. 

Jacob, son of Christopher and Hannah, married Abigail 
Reed, daughter of Eben Reed, of Abington. Their children 
were Jacob and Joseph. 

Jacob, son of Jacob and Abigail, married Sarah, daughter 
of Rev. Samuel Niles, of Abington. Their children were — 

Ezekiel Dodge, Samuel Niles, Mary Dodge Niles, and 
Nathaniel N. 

Ezekiel Dodge married Widow Morse, and settled in Abing- 
ton. No children. 

Samuel Niles married Maria Trow, and settled in Boston. 

Mary Dodge Niles married Gladden Bonney, of East Bridge- 
water. 

Nathaniel N., unmarried, is an apothecary in South Abing- 
ton. 

Joseph, son of Jacob and Abigail, married Phebe Clark, 
aod settled in Abington ; had a daughter Mehitable by his 
first wife. Married Anna Snell for his second wife, and had 
Cyrus A., late Postmaster at South Abington, now deceased. 

James, son of Christopher and Hannah, settled in Abington. 

\ 



376 APPENDIX. 

He lived nearly opposite to the house where Samuel Blake 
now lives. He married Patty Harden ; they had one son — 
James — who settled in Centre Abington. He was a military 
captain ; and, for a portion of the time, during tlie war of 
1812, had command of the troops stationed at the fort on the 
Gurnet. He married Nancy Bickuell, and had two sons and 
a daughter ; he also married Widow Bicknell for his second 
wife. Samuel, his eldest son, for many years a resident in 
Paris, has recently erected a costly and elegant dwelling-house 
near where his father lived. He is unmarried. James, his 
younger son, married, and resides in the same house with his 
brother, in Centre Abington. 

Thus, so far as I have been able, I have endeavored to give 
a brief outline of the Dyers of Abington. Some blanks I have 
been unable to fill, from the sources of knowledge within my 
reach ; but so far as I have been able to verify the statements 
here made, I believe them to be correct. 

I am aware that a bare genealogy is, to most readers, dry 
and uninteresting, and others take pleasui'e in being able to 
trace their pedigree back through a long line. Brevity is 
sometimes a virtue. 

From Philip Reade, of Weymouth, in 1640, and Mary his 
wife, were descended — 

Philip, his son, who mai'ried (1) Hannah, (2) Abigail ; 
Samuel, son of the 2d Philip and Abigail, married Mary 
Davis; Samuel, jr., son of Samuel and Mary, married Eliza- 
beth Haywood ; Samuel, son of Samuel and Elizabeth, married 
Mary Yoimg ; Deborah, daughter of Samuel and Mary Young, 
married Christopher Dyer, father of Capt. Christopher Dyer, 
of South Abington. 

Mary Young was the daughter of Geo. Young, jr., of Scituate, 
who married Mary Stockbridge. His father was George, and 
his grandfather Thomas, born 1663, who married Sarah 
White (born 1663), in 1688, eldest daughter of Peregrine 
White, of the Mayfloioer. 

From Philip Reade, of Weymouth, and Mary, are descended 



APPENDIX. 377 

the Reeds of East Abington — Samuel, Abiah, Hon. Levi, and 
others. 

Oi' tlie Reed family, from whom Betsey Dyer, wife of Capt. 
Christopher, is descended, the following is the record : — 

1. William Reed married Lucy Ilenage. 

2. "William, his son, married Ivis ; William and Ivis were 
among the first settlers of Weymouth. 

3. William, son of William and Ivis, married Esther 
Thompson, of Middleboro', in 1675. Her father, John 
Thompson, came over in Werson's" Company. John Thomp- 
son married Mary CooI\, daughter of Francis Cook, who came 
over in the Mayflower'' s Company. 

4. Jacob, third son of William and Esther, married Sarah 
Hersey, of Abington, and settled in Abington in 1708. 

5. William, son of William and Sarah, married Silence 
Nash in 1750. Their children were — 

Silence,born August 6, 1753 ; died July 10, 1794. William, 
born June 8, 1755 ; married Olive Pool, of Bridgewater. Jane, 
born June 23, 1757; married Rev. David Gurney. Betty, 
born Februaiy 23, 1760 ; married Ebenezer Porter, of Abiug- 
ton. Susannah, born July 26, 1762; married Benjamin 
Bates. James, born October 6, 1764 ; married Ruth Porter, 
of Bridgewater. Timothy, born May 29, 1767; died Septem- 
ber 8, 1775. Mehitable, born January 29, 1770 ; died January 
6, 1773. 

Tlie coat-of-arras of the Dyer Family was a plain shield, 
surmounted by a wolf's head, as appears from a tombstone iu 
the burying-ground on Copps' Hill, Boston. 

I find the name of Dyer very often occurs among the trades- 
men and mechanics of England, and is abundant in the Post- 
Office Directory of London. 

There are many of the name in Maine, probably descendants 
of Asa ; and also on the Cape, descended from the same 
original stock. In the Lynn Records, and from the burying- 
grounds of Maiden, West Bridgewater, South Bridgewater, 
and Weymouth, may be gathered additional facts by those 
32* 



378 APPENDIX. 

who are curious to trace out the various branches of a some- 
what numerous family. But neither time nor space can be 
afforded now to give a more particular statement. 



in o li ID. 

The Fords of Abington are the descendants of Andrew 
Ford, of Weymouth, the earliest mention of whom yet found 
is in the will of his father-in-law, Robert Lovell, (Suffolk 
Registry,) dated 1G51. Andrew Ford was then married, and 
had at least two sons. He cannot be connected with certainty 
with "Widow Ford, who came to Plymouth in the Fortune in 
1623, nor with the early Fords in Dorchester and Cambridge ; 
nor is it now ascertained from which of the many English 
families of this name any of these New England branches 
sprung. From some circumstances, however, it would seem 
that Devonshire and Dorsetshire, where the name frequently 
occurs, and whence many of our early settlers came, ai'e the 
most promising field of inquiry ; but this is conjecture. The 
descent of the Abington Fords, from Andrew Ford, of Wey- 
mouth, is as follows : — 

I. 1. Andrew Ford, of Weymouth, admitted freeman in 
1G54; married Eleanor, daughter of Robert Lovell, some time 
before 1G50 ; was associated with James Lovell and John 
riolbrook, in 1668, in purchasing from the Colony a part of 
the land called Ford's Farms, now in Abington, and near the 
Colony line. His children were Andrew, James and Joseph, 
who died about 1690, being then of New Bristol ; Samuel, 
born 1656, and died in Weymouth 1711 ; Nathaniel, born 
1658, and died 1733, leaving a family in Weymouth; Mary, 
who married a Whitman; Ebenezer, born 1600; Silence, 
born 1661 ; Prudence, born 1663, married Joseph Lincoln, of 
Ilingham, and died 1695 ; Jacob, born 1666 ; Elizabeth, born 
1667; Israel, born 1670, and died 1736, in Weymouth, his 
wife Sarah having died 1718, and no children being mentioned 
in his will; Sarah, born 1672. Of the sons, Samuel, James 









i ll^fe" 




APPENDIX. 379 

and Ebenezer, little is known except that they were for a time 
in Abington. Joseph has been conjectured to be the progenitor 
of the New Jersey Fords. Andrew Ford, the father, died in 
Hingliam, March 4, 1093. [See IIobaiit's Diary.] 

II. 1, Andrew, (sou of Andrew I. 1.,) was settled at 
Ford's Farms probably before 1G79, near Joseph Cleverly's. 
Tradition says that he was once dislodged by the Indians, 
(was this in Philip's war, 1675, when the Indians once at- 
tacked Weymouth ?) and afterwards settled towards Bridge- 
water line. He married Abiah , and his children were 

Andrew, born 1082; Sarah, who married Joseph Josselyu, 
and died 17o4; Thankful, who married a Ilersey ; Ilezekiah, 
born 1687; Lydia, who married Richard Whitmarsh ; and 
Abiah, who married a Hersey. The father, Andrew Ford, 
senior, of Abington, wlio was the original settler of the town, 
and the chief proprietor in the first meeting-house, died August 
24, 1725. 

III. 1. Andrew, (sou of Andrew II. 1.,) called in the 
Town Records Ensign Andrew Ford, was born 1682 (recorded 
in Weymouth), married Marcy Whitmarsh, and had children 
as follows: — Marcy, born 1708 ; Jacob, born 1711 ; Hester, 
born 1714, and married Jacob Porter; Mary, born 1719, and 
married Jacob Reed; Andrew, born 1721. The mother died 
February, 1737 or '38 ; and Ensign Andrew Ford died May 
12, 1750. His gravestone, and his wife's, were lately stand- 
ing in the burying-ground, near Mr. Cleverly's, in North 
Abington.* 

III. 2. Hezekiah, (son of Andrew II. 1.,) born 1087; 
married, 1712, Ruth, daughter of Deacon Ebenezer Whit- 

* Ensign Andrew Ford's will bequeaths certain property to the 
children of his daughter, Mrs. Porter, adding, — "And I would have 
it known, that the reason that I don't give the whole unto ray said 
daughter, Hester Porter, is because I would not have it to come unto 
niy son-in-law, Jacob Porter's hands, that he might not, with it, tight 
against ministers of the Gospel." This is a pregnant illustration of 
the bitter controversy then (174U) going on respecting Rev. Mr. Brown, 
who witnessed, and, perhaps, drew, tliis will. 



380 APPENDIX. 

marsh, and had children — Hezekiah, born 1713; Ruth, born 
1716, who married Joseph Pool ; Mary, bora February, 1717, 
and died in infancy. His wife, Ruth, died February, 1717, 
and he married Sarah Blagoun, by whom he had James, born 
1721 who died iu infancy. Hezekiah Ford was one of the 
selectmen in 1720, and died November 3, 1721. 

IV. 1. Jacob, (son of Andrew III. 1.,) born 1711 ; mar- 
ried, 1733, Sarah Pool, daughter of Samuel Pool, and had 
children — Jacob, born 1738; Sarah, born 1739, and married 
Barnabas Packard ; Mark, born 1741, married Hannah Brett, 
1764, and moved to Bridgewater, where he left a family, and 
died 1821. Luke, born 1742 ; John, born, 1744 ; Noah, born 
1745, and died in the French War; Joseph, born 1746, and 
married Freelove Beal, 1766; Mary, born 1748; Benjamin, 
born 1750. The mother died 1788, and Mr. Jacob Ford 
himself died June 9, 1794, and is buried with his wife, near 
his father and mother. 

IV. 2. Andrew, (son of Andrew III. 1.,) born 1721, 
married, 1742, Sarah Shaw, and had children; Marcy, born 

1744, and married Daniel Reed; Lydia, born 1758; Elijah, 
born 1748, and died a child; Thomas, born 1749; Daniel, 
born 1751, and married Hannah Allen, 1774 ; Andrew, born 

1745, and died a child ; Sarah, born 1754 ; Mary and Martha, 
twins, born 1755, of whom Martha died in infancy ; Solomon, 
born 1756 ; Elijah, born 1759. 

IV. 3. Hezekiah, (son of Hezekiah III. 2.,) born 1713, 
married Deborah Beal 1733, and had children — Hezekiah, 
born 1734; Amos, born 1735; Deborah, born 1738, and 
married Solomon Shaw; Huldey, born 1740, and married 
David Cobb, 1758 ; Abiah, born 1742. 

V. 1. Jacob, (son of Jacob IV. 1.,) born 1738; married, 
1761, Rachel Agur, and had children — Noah, born 1762 (see 
note); Jacob, born 1764, and married Polly Perry, 1793; 
Mary, born 1766 ; Sarah, born 1768 ; David, born 1770, and 
married Olive, daughter of Simeon Packard, 1794, and moved 
to North Bridgewater; Jonathan, born 1772, several times 
married ; lived in Boston. Simeon, born 1774, married Polly 



APPENDIX. 381 

Vinson, and, for his second Avife, Mehitable Curtis ; Molly, 
born 1776, married David Porter; Solomon, born 1778, mar- 
ried Phebe Guroey, and, for his second wife, Lydia Shaw, 
and lived in North Abington ; Joseph, born 1780, married Ruth 
Torrey, and died 1848 ; Rachel, born 1783, and married 
William Gurney ; Susannah, born 1787, and married Ezra 
Dunham. The mother died 1792, when Mr. Jacob Ford 
married Anna Ellis, 1793. He died February 21, 1818, and 
his widow died a week later. 

V. 2. Luke, (son of Jacob IV. 1.,) born 1742, married, 
1766, Hannah Reed, and had children — Deborah, born 1767; 
Lydia, born 1769 ; Molly, born 1772 ; Seth, born 1778 ; Adam, 
born 1784. 

V. 3. John, (son of Jacob IV. 1.,) born 1744, married 
Lydia Auger, 1767, and had children — Susannah, born 1768, 
married Noah Thomas, jr., 1793; John, born 1771 ; Lydia, 
born 1773 ; Haunah, born 1778, and died young ; James, born 
1780, married Parna Howard, and, for second wife, a Gurney; 
Samuel, born 1783, married Sally Clapp, and, for second wife, 
a Warren ; Lydia, born 1782, married John Wild ; Hannah, 
born 1792, and married an Oldham. The fatlier, John Ford, 
Avas a lieutenant in the Continental Army, and died March 18, 
1792. 

V. 4. Benjamin, (son of Jacob IV. 1.,) born 1750, mar- 
ried Sarah Brett, daughter of Samuel Brett, of Bi-idgewater, 
and had children — Sarah, born 1773 ; Mehitable, born 1775, 
and married Samuel Noyes ; Benjamin, born 1777; Sai'ah, 
born 1778; Pattie, boi-n 1779, and married a Hall; Moses, 
born 1781; Peter, born 1782, and married Polly Reed; 
Molly, born 1784; Mark, born 1785; Andrew, born 1787; 
Cilvia, born 1788, and married a Whitman; Ephraim, born 
1791 ; Betsey, born 1793. 

V. 5. Hezekiah, (son of Hezekiah IV. 3.,) born 1734, 
married Sarah Fisher in 1759, and had children — Hezekiah, 
born 1759, who married Huldah Cobb in 1787 ; Huldah, born 
1761, and died 1762; Sarah, born 1764; Amos, born 1766, 
and married Molly Stetson. Hezekiah removed to Township 



382 APPENDIX. 

No. 4, now Ciimmington, Hampshire County, in this State, 
about 1767, with his wife and daughter Mary, then aged 15, 
and his son Ilezekiah, jr. Ruth, another daughter, married 
Ephraim Stetson, of Abington, before her father's removal. 
It is not known whether his other children remained here, or 
removed with him. 

Mary, after her removal to Cummington, married Edmund 
Lazell, who emigrated to that town from Bridgewater some 
time before. He was a brother of the late General Sylvanug 
Lazell, and of Isaac and Nathan Lazell, of that town. 

Edmund Lazell, by his wife Mary, had twelve children, 
most of whom died young. Two of his sons lived to grow 
up ; one, Cyrus M., was a graduate of Williams' College ; 
settled in Richmond, Va., as a lawyer, and died there before 
he was thirty years old. The children are now all deceased 
but one daughter, Deborah, who was married to Benjamin 
Hobart, of Abington, January 22, 1815, whose descendants 
are mentioned in the Hobart family. 

Hezekiah, the son, who removed to Cummington with his 
father, married a Miss Cobb, of Cummington, and had several 
children ; among them was a son Amos, who married his 
cousin, Mary, daughter of Ephraim Stetson. Another son 
of this latter, Hezekiah, married in Cummington, and had a 
family, and some of his posterity still remain tliere. 

This gives the posterity of Andrew Ford, of Weymouth, to 
the fifth generation, from which the memory of most persons 
of the name now living in Abington will enable tliem to trace 
their descent. Many of the name have removed to the western 
part of the State, and elsewhere ; but there has been no attempt 
to make a strict account of these cases. 



Note. — To the above we add an account of the descendants 
of the oldest son of Jacob Ford, (V. 1.,) to the present genera- 
tion ; this branch of the family being also the oldest in each 
generation, from Andrew Ford, of Weymouth. 

VI. Noah, (son of Jacob V. 1.,) was born 17G2, and 
married, 1783, Abigail, daughter of Elcazar and Abigail 



ArrENDix. 383 

(Allien) Whitman. He served in the Revolutionary Army ; 
was for many years a prominent citizen of the town ; one of 
the selectmen, and captain of the artillery company, and died 
1817. Ilis widow died 1841, aged 77. His children were 
as follows : — 

1. Nancy, born October 1, 1788; married Asaph Dunbar, 
and died October 15, 1853. 

2. Daniel Alden, born January 27, 1791 ; married Abigail 
Farrar, of Scituate. Their children were — Thomas Alden, 
who died in Boston, 1859, leaving a daughter. Louisa, Avife 
of Jesse Giles ; Mary Caroline, wife of Jacob Bates, of South 
Abington. 

3. Sarah, born March 22, 1793 ; married Davis Packard, 
of Bridgewater, and died 1860, in Randolph. Their children 
were — Harriet Newell, Rev. Noah Ford, Abigail Whitman, 
Davis Snow and Sally Snow ; all died before her, as Avell as 
her husband. Rev. Noah F. Packard died in New Oi'leans in 
1847. 

4. Mary, born July 27, 1795 ; married Jeremiah Litch, of 
Boston, and died there in 1848, without children. 



G- XJ R. N E "^ . 

1. John Gurnet, the ancestor of most of the name in 
Abington, came from Weymouth, and settled in the south 
part of this town, then a part of Bridgewater, about the year 
1690. He died about 1715; and, it seems, intestate, as his 
estate was divided equally among his children, among whom 
Avere Richard, David and Nathan. Nothing is known of the 
posterity of Richard and David. 

2. Nathan had Rebecca, born October, 1727 ; Lemuel, born 

October, 1730; Elijah, born , 1732; Noah, born May, 

1735; Nathan, born November, 1739; Silas, born June, 
1743; Sarah, born March, 1745; Jacob, born March, 1748; 
John, born May, 1751. 

3. Lemuel left no posterity, so far as is known. 



384 APPENTJIX. 

3. Elijah married a Widow House, and bad Sophia and 
Sylvia. 

3. Noah mai'ried a daughter of Samuel Pool, Esq. ; and 
had Asa, Joseph Pool, Noah, Jeremiah, James, John and 
Olive. 

3. Silas married a Palmer ; and had Sarah, Oliver, Huldah, 
Rebecca, Anna and Ephraim. 

3. Nathan married a Palmer (sister of Silas' wife) ; and 
had Nathan, Mary and Lebbeus. 

3. Jacob married a Reese ; and had Elizabeth, Ruth, 
Mehitable, Jacob, William S., Phebe and Lucy. 

3. John married Sarah Norton, daughter of Samuel Nor- 
ton, Esq., and had Polly, Elizabeth, Sarah, Hannah, John, 
Ira, Martha, Clarissa and Zenas. 

3. Sarah married John Tirrell ; no issue. 

3. Rebecca is supposed to have removed to Weymouth. 

4. The daughters of Elijah left this town in early life. 

4. Asa, son of Noah, married Mary, daughter of Jos. 
Hersey ; and had David, Mary and Rosand. The daughters 
died in early life. 

4. Jos. P., son of Noah, married Sarah Reed, and had 
Nathaniel, Sarah, Samuel and Edmund. Samuel was killed 
by the kick of a horse. 

4. Noah, son of Noah, married a Reed ; and had Jonathan 
R., Noah, Cyrus, Ichabod, Lydia, Ruth, Charity and Abigail. 

4. Jeremiah, son of Noah, married Mary Fullarton ; and 
had Charlotte, Chandler R., Lysander, John, Mary, Eliza 
and . 

4. James, son of Noah, was a graduate of Brown Uni- 
versity, and was settled in the ministry at Nantucket ; he 
married, in succession, two of the daughters of Silas Gurney, 
and had children. 

4. John, son of Noah, married and removed West. 

4. Olive, daughter of Noah, left no posterity. 

4. Oliver, son of Silas, removed to Freetown, and had a 
family. 



APPENDIX. 385 

4. Ephraim, son of Silas, left one son — William — who 
commanded a company in the War of 1861. 

4. Sarah, daughter of Silas, married Asa Whitmarsh, and 
had two sons — Asaph and Oliver G. 

4. Iluldah and Anne, daughters of Silas, married James 
Gurney. 

4. Nathan, son of Nathan, married a daughter of the late 
Elijah Shaw, and had Diantha and Merilla L. He after- 
wards married Martha Puling, and had Nathan P. ; she 
dying, he married Sarah Whitman, and had Ephraim W. 

4. Lebheus, son of Nathan, married Susanna Lazell ; and 
had Lebbeus, Nathan and Nahum ; after her decease he mar- 
ried Ruth Gurney, and had children. 

4. Mary, daughter of Nathan, married Malachi Jenkins, 
and removed from Abington. 

4. Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob, married Ezra Gushing ; 
Ruth married Joel Reed ; Mehitable married Seth Pool ; 
Phcebe married Solomon Ford ; Lucy married John Wild. 

4. Jacob, son of Jacob, removed to Randolph ; William S. 
married a daughter of Jacob Ford, and had a family. 

4. Polly, daughter of John, had no family ; Elizabeth mar- 
ried Ephraim S. Jenkins, and has children ; Sarah married 
Thos. Blanchard ; no issue. Hannah married Daniel Reed ; 
Martha married Jos. Jenkins ; both removed to Madison, 
Me., and had families ; Clarissa married Peleg Stetson, and 
had no children. 

4. The sons of John — Ira, John and Zenas — died child- 
less. 

5. David, son of Asa, married Nancy Ellis, and had Ruth, 
who married Orange Wilkes ; Mehitable married Samuel 
D. AYilkes ; Davis married Blanchard, and has a family ; 
David B. married Blanchard, and has a family ; Mary mar- 
ried James Corthel ; Rosanda married a Drake. 

There are a few others in Abington by this name, who 
probably did not descend from the ancestor John Gurney, but 
from Joseph Gurney, who settled in this town about the close 
of the seventeenth century. 
33 



886 APPENDIX. 

Joseph G. had children, viz., Perkins, Benoni and Joseph, 
if no more ; Perkins removed to Bridgewater, and was the 
father of Adam, David, Seth, and three daughters. 

Bencni was the father of Benoni, Thomas, Samuel and 
Caroline. 

Josepli, son of Joseph, had Joseph, Gideon, Daniel, Zacha- 
riah, Sarah and Deborah. 

So far as is known, there are none of the descendants of 
Benoni remaining in this town. Of the descendants of Joseph, 
only Daniel, son of Daniel, and the children of Hervey, son 
of Daniel. 



I. The families of this name in Abington and vicinity, 
descended from Edmund Hobart, who, with his wife and 
son, Joshua, and daughters Rebecca and Sarah, came to New 
England, in 1633. lie settled at Charlestown, became a free- 
man March 4, 1634, and went to Ilingham in 1635. He was 
a deputy in 1639, 1640, and 1642. He died March 8, 1645 
or 1646. The other sons were Edmund, jr., Rev. Peter 
Hobart, first minister of Hiugham, and Thomas Hobart. 

II. Thomas Hobart, son of Edmund Hobart, sen., above 
named, was born in England, and came to this country in 
1633, with his wife, Jane, and three children. He settled in 
Hingham, in 1635, Avith his father and brothers. He had 
children born in Hiugham — Nehemiah, Thomas, Joshua, 
Aaron, Caleb, Moses and Isaac ; one of these, Aaron, 
(Captain,) was born August 25, 1661. Thomas Hobart died 
August 18, 1689, aged 83. 

III. Aaron, son of the preceding, was born in Hingham, 
and baptized as above stated. The name of his wife was 
Rebecca. They had several children, and among them were 
Aaron, Thomas and Isaac. Aaron, the father, was " drowned 
in sailing towards Boston," March 3, 1705. 

IV. Isaac Hobart, son of the preceding, removed to Abing- 
ton. He was born in Hingham, July 15, 1700. His removal 



APPENDIX. 



387 



to Abington was in 1724. lie married Mary, daughter of 
John Harden, in that year, and died in Abington in 1775. 
Their children were — 

Thomas, born 1725 ; (Col.) Aaron, born 1729 ; Mary, born 
1735; John, born 1738. 

V. Thomas, son of Isaac IV., married and settled in Pem- 
broke (now Hanson), and had two sons, Isaac and Thomas, 
and eight daughters, all of whom were married, and are now 
deceased. 

VI. Isaac and Thomas both settled in Hanson. Isaac had 
children, and one of these, VII. Isaac, now over eighty years 
of age, lives in Hanson, and- has children, four sons and 
three daughters, all married ; and grandchildren. Thomas, 
married Waterman, of Scituate, but had no children. He 
and his wife have recently (1865) deceased. He was a man 
of much enterprise and activity in business ; was largely con- 
cerned in a cotton and woollen factory, and a blast furnace, for 
casting hollow ware and machinery, in the town of Halifax ; 
was also a large owner in a forge and anchor shop in 
Hanson. 

V. Aaron, (Col.) son of Isaac IV., married, 1st, Elizabeth 
Pilsbury, daughter of Jacob Pilsbury, November 5, 1753, and 
by her had six sons — Jacob, Setli, Noah, Nathaniel, Aaron, 
Isaac, and two daughters, Sarah and Elizabeth. Jacob, bora 
August 5, 1754, died December 20,1772; Seth, born Sep- 
tember 4, 1755 ; Nathaniel, born October 15, 1758 ; Elizabeth, 
born February 5, 1761 ; Aaron, born August 9, 1764 ; Noah, 
born March 17, 1767 ; Sarah, born June 13, 1770, died Janu- 
ary 7, 1791 ; Isaac, born September 1, 1771. He married, 
2d, Thankfid Adams, November 25, 1777. She was born 
May 25, 1747. She was the widow of Elihu Adams, a 
brother of President John Adams, by whom she had three 
children — two sons and one daughter — John, Elisha and 
Susanna. Her children by the second marriage were Adams, 
Joseph, Benjamin (twins), Salome, Mary and Thankful. 

Adams was born December 3, 1779 ; died April 14, 1783. 
Joseph and Benjamin, born October 24, 1781 ; Joseph died 



388; APPEXDIX. 

August 1, 1787. Salome, born March 20, 1784 ; Mary, born 
September 3, 1787; Thankful, March 9, 1793. 

VI. Seth settled in East Bridgewater ; married Esther, 
daughter of Jonathan Allen, of Braintree, 1782, and had 
Betsey, 1783; Jacob, 1784; Jonathan, 1786; Seth, 1788; 
Polly, 1790; Eunice, 1795; Joseph, 1796; Esther, 1798; 
Allen, 1801. She died 1813 ; he died 1814. Esther mar- 
ried Micah "White, and resides in Western New York. Jacob, 
Seth, Eunice and Allen died without issue. 

VI. Nathaniel married and had two children. The family 
have all deceased ; the children in infancy. He died June 23, 
1838, aged 80. 

VI. Elizabeth married Dr. David Jones. He was born at 
Wrentham, March 26, 1749; came to Abington with his 
father in 1751, where he lived until twenty years of age ; then 
went to Boston to study medicine with Dr. Warren, and was 
married in February, 1777 ; moved to North Yarmouth, Me., 
October 17, 1783. Their children were — 

VII. Mary, who married John Hale ; Jacob H., who mar- 
ried Hannah Bisbee ; Betsey, who married John Lawrence; 
Sarah, who married Henry Scott ; David, who married Eliz- 
abeth L. Chase ; Esther, who married Stephen Hale ; Abigail 
G., who married Isaac Hobart ; Jane T., who married Isaac 
Hobart ; Elias, not married ; and three died in infancy ; twelve 
in all. 

Dr. Jones was a surgeon in the Revolutionary War, and 
was acting in that capacity at the battle of Bunker Hill, where 
his old teacher. Dr. Warren, was shot. Mrs. David Jones 
died in 1842 ; the doctor died many years before. 

It is a somewhat remarkable fact, that the first five of the 
above couples, viz., Mr. and Mrs. John Hale, Mr. and Mrs. 
Jacob M. Jones, Mr. and Mrs. John Lawrence, Mr. and Mrs. 
Henry Scott, and Mr. and Mrs. David Jones, were all married 
in early life, and their connections remained unbroken until 
very old age ; when, within a few months of each other, all 
the five husbands died, leaving their wives widows, all within 



APPENDIX. 389 

the space of about two years. They were all probably over 
70 years of age. 

VII. Mary, daughter of Elizabeth VI., who married Jolm 
Hale, had eight children, four of whom died in infancy or 
childhood. Of the four remaining, one, Mary Jones Hale, 
married Albert W. Paine, of Btingor, Me. 

VIII. Mary J., wife of A. W. Paine, has four children. 

IX. Mary Abby, Selma W., Augusta L., Eugenie II. 

VI. Aaron, son of Aaron V., born August 9, 1764, died 
January 9,1818; he married Susanna Adams, daughter of 
Elihu Adams, of Braintree, brother of President John Adams. 
She Avas born December 7, 1766, and died December 31, 
1826. She had six children. 

VII. 1. Elihu, born December, 1785, died September, 
1842 ; married Sally Dyer, daughter of Christopher Dyer, 
"who died April, 1848 ; had children — 

VIII. 1. Sarah; 2. Eliza; 8. Elihu. 

VII. 2. Aaron, born June, 1787, died September, 1858; 
married Maria Leach, daughter of Andrew ; had seven chil- 
dren. 

VIII. 1. Susan; 2. Aaron ; S.George; 4. Maria ; S.Ed- 
ward ; 6. John ; 7. Catherme. Pic was a Representative to 
Congress, and Judge of Probate for Plymouth County. 

VII. 3. Susanna, born March, 1789 ; married, first, Zebah 
Hayden, and, second, Jared Whitman ; had, by her first hus- 
band, — 

VIII. Caroline, who died in infancy ; had, by her second 
husband, — 

VIII. 1. Caroline H. ; 2. Augustus; 3. Jared; 4. Susan 
A. H. ; 5. Ephraim. 

VII. 4. Sarah, born June, 1791 ; married John S. Champ- 
ney ; died May, 1826 ; had one child, 

VIII. John, who "was drowned. 

Vn. 5. Abigail Adams, born June, 1793 ; married John 
S. Champney ; died January, 1853 ; had four children. 

VIII. 1. Nathaniel; 2. Aaron (who both died young); 
3. Sarah ; 4. Abbe. 
33* 



390 APPENDIX. 

Vn. 6. Eliza, born January, 1800 ; died December, 1800. 

VI. Noah Hobart, son of Aaron Hobart V., was born in 
Abingtou, March 17, 1767; married November 5, 1789, by- 
Rev. Mr. Angier, to Deborah Wiuslovv Thomas, of East 
Bridgewater, who was born in Duxbury, May 13, 1767. 
She was a descendant of Edvlard Winslow, one of the early 
Pilgrims. They removed to Foxborough in May, 1804, 
where Mrs. Hobart died, December 3, 1834, aged 67. Noah 
Hobart died at the same place, January 24, 1854, at the age 
of nearly 87. Their children were — 

' Henry, born in Abington, September 13, 1790 ; Albert, born 
in Abington, November 8, 1792 ; Nathaniel, born in Abing- 
ton, August 30, 1794 ; James Thomas, born in Abington, July 
12, 1801 ; Aaron, born in Abington, October 8, 1803 ; Deborah 
Ann, born in Foxboro', January 29, 1806 ; Jane Talman, bora 
in Foxboro', June 28, 1808. 

VII. Henry, the oldest son of Noah, born September 13, 
1790, continued on the homestead in Foxboro', where he 
died May 24, 1862, at the age of nearly 72, highly respected 
as an upright and useful citizen. He held the most important 
offices of the town for many years ; represented it often in the 
General Court, and in the Constitutional Convention of 1853. 
He was also a member of the State Senate for the year 1852. 
He married Anna Briggs, of Norton, July 17, 1817 ; she died 
April 18, 1836. In 1840, he married Mrs. Mehitable S. C. 
Tales. By his first wife he had the following children : — 

Thomas, born July 30, 1819 ; died August 1, 1819. Caro- 
line, born December 24, 1820 ; died May 22, 1856. Anna 
•Maria, born July 20, 1822 ; now living. Henry, jr., born 
January 24, 1824 ; now living. Albert Winslow, born Sept. 
6, 1825 ; died June 16, 1844. Aaron, born May 31, 1828 ; 
died February 27, 1832. Harriet Briggs, born April 14, 
1830 ; died June 30, 1864. George William, born November 
4, 1832 ; died July 5, 1839. Emily Jane, born March 26, 
1834 ; died January 24, 1859. Edwin, born April 11, 1836 ; 
now living. 

VIII. Henry, jr., son of Henry (above named), served his 



APPENDIX. 391 

time with Benjamin Hobart, of South Abington, in the manu- 
facture of tacks. Pie is now an active member of the suc- 
cessful manufacturing firm of Dunbar, Hobart & Whidden, 
successors of " B. Hobart & Son," for whose business the 
senior partner, William H. Dunbar, Esq., has erected, near 
the Hobart mansion in South Abington, the most extensive 
tack establishment in this country. Henry, jr., married Mary 
T. Buruap, daughter of Rev. U. C. Burnap. of Lowell, Novem- 
ber 2, 1845, and they have had the following children, all 
living but one : — 

AValter Henry, born in Abington, February 10, 1848 ; 
James Frederick, born in Abington, January 26, 1850 ; Mary 
Isabelle, born in Abington, April 12, 1852 ; George Burnap, 
born in Abington, February 8, 1854 ; Anna Caroline, born in 
Abington, March 14, 1856 ; Richard Everett, born in Abing- 
ton, June 16, 1858; Emily Florence, born in East Bridge- 
water, March 18, 1861 ; died September, 1863. Grace Agnes, 
born in East Bridgewater, July 15, 1864. 

VIII. Caroline, the oldest daughter of Henry, married 
William Rawlins Williamson, of Cincinnati, Ohio, November 

23, 1848, and their children were — 

Emily Rawlins, born August 22, 1849 ; died June 29, 1850. 
William Henry, born June 20, 1851 ; Jane Taylor, born Feb- 
ruary 5, 1853. Mrs. Williamson died ia Cincinnati, May 22, 
1856. 

VIII. Anna Maria, second daughter of Henry, married 
Captain Robert P. Holmes, of Wreutham, February 5, 1851, 
and made several voyages with him to India, and other foreign 
parts. They had no children. Capt. Holmes died in Wreu- 
tham, June 1, 1856. 

Edwin, the youngest son of Henry, who lives on the family 
place in Foxboro', married Julia A. Noyes, February 19, 
1863. He has one child — Anna Caroline — born December 

24, 1863. No other of the children of Henry, sen., were mar- 
ried, or are now living. 

VII. Albert, tlie second son of Noah, boi-n November 8, 
1792, went to Boston in 1810, where he afterwards engaged 



392 APPENDIX. 

in the dry goods business, in which he has been successful. 
He iiiari'ied Sarah Farmer Jewett, of Ashburnliam, Decem- 
ber 14, 1825. She died October 9, 1838. Their children 
were — 

Albert Jewett, born December 21, 1826 ; died January 15, 
1864. Sarah Jane, born January 4, 1829 ; Joseph Henry, 
born December 30, 1830 ; died February 8, 1833. Ellen 
Frances, born July 13, 1833 ; Edward, born September 15, 
1834 ; died October 3', 1834. 

VIII. Sarah Jane was married by Rev. Edward N. Kirk, 
to George Papendick, then of Mihvaukie,- Wis., now of Boston, 
on the 12th of October, 1852. Their children were — 

Ernest Albert Peaskes, born in Milwaukie, November 23, 
1853 ; Eleanor Christine, born in Boston, September 19, 1857; 
George Christopher, born in Boston, July 1, 1861. 

VIII. Albert Jewett married Annie E. Smith, of "West 
Tisbury, January, 1861. They have one child — Bessie Jewett 
— born in West Tisbury, May 29, 1862. Albert J. joined the 
45th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment, and was with it nine 
months in North Carolina. Since deceased. 

VII. Nathaniel, third son of Noah, born August 30, 1794, 
entered Harvard College in 1813, in the class with Caleb 
Gushing, but had to leave after two years' study, on account 
of the weakness of his eyes. He afterwards engaged in busi- 
ness in Boston. He wrote, and published, the life of Sweden- 
borg, in whose doctrines he was a believer. He was lost with 
the steamer Lexington^ which was burnt on Long Island Sound, 
January 13, 1840 ; he married Lydia Clark, of Waltham, 
December 19, 1827. Their children were — 

Nathan, born in Boston, November 14, 1829 ; Sarah, born 
in Boston, August 25, 1831 ; died September 26, 1850. Mary, 
born in Boston, August 2, 1833; died August 17, 1833. 
Cornelia, born in Boston, August 7, 1835 ; died November 
26, 1856. John Henry, born in Boston, August 16, 1837; 
died March 1, 1840. 

VIII. Nathan, the only survi\ing child of Nathaniel, and 
who is now in successful business in New York, married 



APPENDIX. 393 

Octavia, daughter of Benjamin Ilobart, of South Abington, 
November 12, 1857. They have the following children : — 

Cornelia, born in Boston, October 26, 1858 ; William 
Dunbar, born in Boston, February 5, 1860 ; Mary Lydia, 
born in Boston, June 26, 1861 ; Florence, born in Boston, 
June 16, 1863 ; Victoria, born in Boston, April 3, 1865. 

VII. James Thomas, fourth son of Noah, born July 12, 
1801 ; was engaged in active business in Boston for many 
years, and was a member of its City Council for two or three 
years. He removed his family to Hawesville, Kentucky, in 
1838, where he took charge of an extensive coal mine. lu 
1845 he went to Cincinnati, and in 1857 to New York, where 
he now- resides. He married Aune Newell, July 18, 1830, by 
"whom he had the following children : — 

Harriet Whitney, born in Boston, January 8, 1832 ; James, 
born in Boston, March 9, 1834 ; died October 13, 1837 ; 
William Newell, born in Boston, March 28, 1836 ; Anna 
Elizabeth, born in Boston, February 2, 1838 ; Frances Wells, 
born in Hawesville, Ky., December 4, 1840 ; died June 6, 
1852. Katheriue Lawrence, born in Hawesville, Ky., August 
19, 1843 ; died February 20, 1854. Henry Lee, born in 
Cincinnati, July 26, 1845. 

Mrs. Anne Hobart died in Cincinnati, March 18, 1847. 

On the 23d of September, 1850, James married Sarah 
Mann Everett, of Wrentham, by whom he has had four chil- 
dren, as follows : — 

Edwar 1 Everett, born in Cincinnati, September 26, 1851 ; 
died May 3, 1854. James Holbrook, born in Cincinnati, 
March 5, 1853; died May 11, 1854. Everett, born in Cin- 
cinnati, September 1, 1855 ; Clara, born in New York, June 
29, 1858. 

VIII. James, oldest son of William Newell Hobart, who 
is in business in Cincinnati, married Anna E. Babbett, of that 
city, in 1862. 

VII. Aaron, fifth son of Noah, born October 8, 1803 ; 
went to Charleston, S. C, in 1824, where he was in business 
until 1830, when he retui-ned to Boston, and engaged in the 



394 APPENDIX. 

dry goods business. He was a member of the Executive 
Council of Massachusetts for the year 1852 ; a member of the 
Boston City Council for one year, and, for eight years, one of 
the United States Appraisers for the Port of Boston. He 
married Anna Mann Browne, of Wrentham, December 22, 
1841. Their children were — 

Caroline Browne, born in Boston, January 9, 1843 ; Arthur, 
born in Boston, March 2, 1844 ; Grace Darling, born in 
Wrentham, July 28, 1845 ; Aaron, jr., born in Wrentham, 
June 8, 1847 ; died February 6, 1849. Annie Mann, born in 
Boston, December 12, 1849 ; Mary Tyler, born in Boston, 
April 23, 1858. 

VII. Deborah Ann, the oldest daughter of Noah, bora 
January 29, 1806, did not marry, but lived with her brother 
Albert, in Boston, after the death of his wife, in 1838. She 
died November 9, 1859. She was a receiver of the doctrines 
of Swedenborg. 

VII. Jane Talman, the youngest child of Noah, born June 
28, 1808; married William Cobb, of Wrentham, wlio died 
March 2, 1865. Their children were — 

Sarah Jewett, born May 12, 1840 ; Anna Jane, born Octo- 
ber 1, 1841 ; William, born January 8, 1843; died in May, 
1843. 

Their daughter, Sarah Jewett, married David T. Stone, of 
Wrentham, in October, 1860. Their children were — 

Helen Jane, born September, 1841 ; Mary Stanley, born 
May, 1843. 

The descendants of Noah Hobart have been, up to March, 
1865, 7 children, 62 grand and great-grandchildi-en, of whom 
4 cliildren and 39 grandchildren are living. 

VI. Sarah, daughter of Aaron V., married Asa Lewis. 
They had two children ; the last of which died very soon after 
birth, and the mother also died about the same time. Their 
only surviving child was named Susanna Cushman, who mar- 
ried in about 1805, one Garman. She died a few years ago, 
leaving three sons and three daughters. One son was lost at 
sea. All were married, and had children. 



APPENDIX. 395 

VI. Isaac Hobart, son of Aaron, born in Abington, Sep- 
tember 1, 1771 ; died in Eastport, Me., February 26, 1847; 
married Joanna Horsey, July 17, 1794 ; she died at Edmunds, 
Me., May 21, 1858; born at Hiugham, March 1, 1776. 
Their children and grandchildren are as follows : — 

VII. Aaron, bora July 31, 1795; had 9 children; 6 now 
living; had 13 grandchildren; 10 living. 

VII. Isaac, born August 13, 1797; had 9 children; 5 
living ; had 7 grandchildren ; all living. 

VII. Joanna, born July 12, 1799; died July 26, 1848; 
had 7 children; 2 living; had 3 grandchildren ; 2 living. 

VII. Eliza, born May 3, 1801 ; had 6 children ; 5 living; 
had 5 grandchildren ; 2 living. 

VII. Benjamin, born April 11, 1803; had 7 children ; 5 
living ; had 8 grandchildren ; all living. 

VII. Sarah Jones, born September 16, 1806 ; had 11 chil- 
dren ; 10 living; had 13 grandchildren ; 10 living. 

Aaron married, first, Mary Kilby ; second, Catherine East- 
man. 

Joanna married Daniel Kilby ; he died January, 1860. 

Isaac married, first, Abigail Jones ; second, Jane Jones. 

Eliza married William M. Brooks. 

Benjamin married, first, Emily Haywood ; second, Mary 
May hew. 

Sarah Jones married Heman Nickerson. 

Isaac Hobart settled in Edmunds, the extreme eastern part 
of Maine, in 1792, on a township of land given him by his 
father ; of his children, his three sous, Aaron, Isaac and Ben- 
jamin, and his son-in-law, Daniel Kilby, have been members 
of the State Legislature ; and his grandson, Daniel Kilbv 
Hobart, a member of the State Senate. 

VI. Benjamin, son of Aaron V., was a graduate of Brown 
University, class of 1801 ; he married, first, October 4, 1811, 
Lucy Lazell, daughter of General Sylvanus Lazell, of East 
Bridgewater, who died September 19, 1812, aged 27; no 
children. Second, married, January 22, 1815, Deborah 
Lazell, daughter of Edmund Lazell, of Cummington, in this 



396 APPENDIX. 

State. Her mother was a daughter of Hezekiah Ford, a 
descendant of the Ford Family in Abington, who removed to 
Cummington, with his family, in 17G7, her mother Mary 
being then 15 years old. Her grandmother, after whom she 
was named, Avas Deborah Beal, a descendant of the Beal 
Family in Abington. (See memorials of the Ford and Beal 
Families.) Their children were — 

1. VII. Edmund, born October 29, 1815; died April 27, 
lS2i. 

2. VII. Lucy Lazell, born October 4, 1817. 

3. VII. Amelia, born March 23, 1820. 

4. VII. Benjamin, born February 17, 1822. 

5. VII. Mary Elizabeth, born December 7, 1823; died 
October 10, 1825. 

6. VII. Deborah Ann, born June 28, 1825. 

7. VII. Andrew, born October 16, 1827; drowned May 
12, 1830. 

8. VII. Octavia, born November 7, 1829. 

9. VII. Joseph, born December 3, 1831. 

10. VII. Helen, born May 3, 1833. 

11. VII. John Lazell, born April 14, 1836. 

12. VII. Mary, born February 28, 1838. 

Lucy Lazell VII. married, first, Richard Bridge Carter, of 
Boston, April 29, 1841, and had children — 

VIII. 1. Frederic Richard, born December, 1841 ; died 
August 27, 1851 ; accidentally killed by the cars. 

VIII. 2. John Wilkins, born June 30, 1843. 

VIII. 3. Benjamin Ilobart, born February 22, 1847 ; died 
April, 1803 ; accidentally killed by discharge of his gun. 

VIII. 4. James Richard, born January 4, 1849. 

Mr. Carter, the husband, died January 4, 1852, aged 44 
years. 

The second son, John W. Carter, left the University at 
Cambridge the second year of his course, and enlisted in the 
17th United States Infantry, November 2, 1802. He par- 
ticipated, with his regiment, in the battles of Chancellorsville, 
Gettysburg and Mile Run, and was promoted through the 



APPENDIX. 397 

various grades to the rank of first lieutenant. The desperate 
contests in tlie Wilderness, May, 186-1, inflicted such heavy 
loss upon the regimental ofTicers, that he early assumed the 
position of field officer, as second in rank, which office he 
continued to hold during the engagements at Spottsylvania, 
Korth Anna River, Bethesda Church and Cold Harbor. 
Shortly after the opening assaults on Petersburg, the first 
series of which ended in the disastrous " crater explosion," 
he Avas attacked by typhoid malaria fever, and, after a pro- 
tracted illness, reported for duty. His regiment, on account 
of severe losses, having been ordered out of the field at the 
close of the campaign, and his own health having been seri- 
ously impaired, he resigned December 9, 1864. 

Mrs. Carter married, 2d, William J. Cutler, of Boston, Feb. 
18, 1857 ; he was born at New Salem, April 19, 1815, and 
had by his first wife, Lucia Washburn, of Bridgewater, two 
sons — William Washburn, born December 1, 1844, and Ed- 
ward, born May 3, 1847. 

Amelia VII. married William H. Dunbar, [see memorial 
of Dunbar Family, 3 June 24, 1840, and had children — 

VIII. 1. Emily, born August 18, 1841. 

VIII. 2. Amelia H., born December 25, 1845. 

VIII. 3. Lucy C, born October 7, 1848. 

Emily VIII. married John Wooldredge, of Lynn, June 11, 
1863, and had children — 

IX. 1. Amelia Dunbar, born March 25, 1864. 
IX. 2. William Dunbar, born June 27, 1865. 
Benjamin VII. married Mary A. Webb, a native of England, 

December 22, 1S63. Children — Mary Isabella, born Septem- 
ber 18, 1865. They reside at San Francisco, Cal. 

Deborah Ann VII. married Alden F. Dunbar, [see me- 
morial of Dunbar Family,] August 26, 1846, and had chil- 
dren — 

VIII. 1. Annie, who died at the age of four years; and 
2. Asaph ; and 3. Alden ; who died in infancy. 

VIII. 4. Amelia Hobart, born March 29, 1852. 

VIII. 5. Blanche Lazell, born December 4, 1854. 
34 



398 APPENDIX. 

They have resided at New Orleans over 19 years. 

Octavia VII. married Nathan Hobart, [see memorial of 
Noah Hobart, p. 393.] 

Joseph VII. married Elizabeth Hutchinson, daughter of 
Joseph and Rachel Hutchinson, of Philadelphia, January 16, 
1862. She was born on 6th of 10th month, 1834. Child — 
Grace Lazell, born December 17, 1865 ; died in infancy. 
They now reside at Philadelphia. 

Mary VII. married James Lockett, now a merchant in 
Boston, a native of England, March 5, 1863, and had chil- 
dren — 

VIII. 1. Benjamin Carter, born October 30, 1863. 

VIII. 2. Madeline Lazell, born March 17, 1S65. 

VI. Salome married Marcus Alden, of East Bridgewater, 
and had children — 

VII. 1. Aaron, born in East Bridgewater; 2. Susan, boi'n 
in East Bridgewater ; they removed to New York City, whei'e 
Mr. Alden died. The daughter, Susan, married Seymour 
Hcyt, and a few years after removed to Stamford, Conn., 
where they now reside. 

VI. Mary, daughter of Aaron V., married Henry Brigham, 
May 7, 1812. She died May 27, 1853. He married, second, 
Mi's. Abigail S. Hersey, May 31, 1854. The children of 
Mary were — 

VII. 1. Henry H., born January 22, 1813. 
VII. 2. Joseph W., born October 2, 1814. 

VII. 3. Charles, born in 1810 ; lived only six weeks. 
Henry H., VII., married, first, Mary II. Corthell, October 

16, 1834, who died July 14, 1847. Children— 

VIII. 1. Andrew C, and VIII. 2. Joseph H. H. Second, 
married Drusilla B. Keen, April 12, 1854. 

Andrew VIH. married Helena Peterson, October 10, 1857. 
Child— 

IX. Albert Henry, born February 25, 1860. 

Joseph H. H., VIIL, married Eliza Ann Cook, December 
28, lb65 ; died January 17, 1866. 



APPENDIX. 399 

VT. Thankful, daughter of Aaron V., married Daniel Perry, 
1812; died May 10, 18G3. Children— 

VII. 1. Thomas H., born August 20, 1813 ; died May 7, 
1349. 

VII. 2. Frances, born April 2, 1818 ; died August 19, 
1858. 

VII. 3. Daniel, born April 27, 1820. 

VII. 4. Caroline, born August 31, 1830. 

VII. 5. Marie Louisa, born April 1, 1833. 

Thomas H., VII., married Sarah Harvey, of Philadelphia, 
May 23, 18-17. He was a graduate of Waterville College, 
Me., Professor of Mathematics in the United States Navy ; 
taught midshipmen on board a national ship at Canton and 
other stations. Afterwards licensed to preach in the New 
Jerusalem Church. Officiated at St. Louis, Mo., where he 
and his wife died near the same time. 

Frances VII. married Henry Clapp, of Scituate, October 12, 

1844. Children— 

VIII. 1. Mary Frances, born July 30, 1845. 

VIII. 2. Henry Oscar, born April 15, 1847. He served 

years in the Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, 

in the war for the suppression of the great rebellion. 

Daniel VII, married Mary A. Hartwell, November 13, 

1845. Child— 

VIII. Edward C, born April 12, 1850; died 1866. 

Caroline VII. married Levi S. Cox, December 13, 1857. 

V. John, son of Isaac IV., settled in Abington, and had 
three children — VI. John, Jacob and Polly (or Mary), owned 
and lived in the house where Henry Brigham now lives (at 
South Abington). John married a daughter of Samuel Sphere, 
of Bridgewater (now East Bridgcwater) ; about 179o removed 
to Leicester, in this State. He kept a noted tavern there for 
many years ; was a man of a strong mind, and represented 
his town in the Legislature. Two of his sons settled in Phila- 
delphia ; his descendants are quite numerous. His widowed 
wife died two or three years since, at over 90 years of age. 
Another son, Jacob, removed to New York State ; had a 



400 APPENDIX. 

family there, and deceased some time since. Polly married 
a Mr. Rice, and removed to the same State. Very little is 
known of this branch of the Hobart family. 



ANOTHER BRANCH OF THE HOBART FA^HLY. 

Among the first settlers of Hingham, was the family of 
Edmund Hobart, who came from Hingham, England, in 1G33 ; 
at the same time, the same year, his sons, Joshua, Edmund, 
jr., and Tliomas, with their wives and children, came, and 
also two daughtef-s, Rebecca and Sarah ; in 1G35, Rev. Peter 
Hobart, another son, came over, and was the first settled 
minister of Hingham. Edmund Hobart, sen., died in Hing- 
ham, March S, 1645. His widow died June 23, 1049. 

Elijah Hobart, who settled in Abington, was of the sixth 
generation from Edmund, by the following line, viz., Edmund, 
who was born 1602 or 1603; Samuel, baptized April 13, 
1645 ; Peter, born January 16, 1684; Peter, born October 19, 
1727. 

Elijah Hobart, son of Deacon Peter, was born in Hingham, 
August 31, 1763, and married Martha Stoddart in the year 
1787, and about this time moved to Abington. Had children 
as follows: — Tamar, born February 15, 17S8 ; she married 
Kathaniel Beal. Martha, born November 6, 1789 ; she mar- 
ried Henry Burrill. Mehitable, born December 23, 1791; 
she married Ephraim Whiting. Mary and Sarah (twins), 
were born in June, 1794; Mary married John Ripley, and 
Sarah married Ebed Vining, jr. These five daughters of 
Elijah and Martha Hobart, all had large families of children. 
This year, (1794,) Martha, the wife, died, in the 25th year 
of her age ; and Mr, Elijah Hobart married Mary Orcut, of 
Abington ; they had children as follows, all born in Abington : 
Elijah, jr., born December 25, 1795 ; he married Louisa Pool, 
daughter of David Pool, of Abington ; they moved to Hingham, 
and have a large family of children. Nancy, born May 8, 
1799 ; married Eleazer Whiting. Caleb, born December 13, 



APPENDIX. 401 

1801 ; married Mary S. Cashing, of Scituate, November 11, 
1823 ; she died April 18, 1839. He then married Elizabeth 
Ball, of Dorchester, June 18, 1840. Priscilla, born 1803 ; 
married William Prouty, of Scituate. Sibbel, born 1805 ; 
married Elijah Prouty, of Scituate. Francis, born February 
IG, 1807 ; married Abishai Soul, of Hanover. John, born 
January 15, 1809 ; married Joanna Chandler, of Duxbury, 
May 16, 1830. Lucy, born April 4, 1811 ; married Isaac 
Everson. Albert, born May 8, 1816 ; married Sarah J. Ball, 
of Dorchester, November 2G, 1837. 

Mr. Elijah Hobart died in Abington, in 1847, aged 84 
years ; and his Avife, Mary, in 1863, aged 93 years. 
The children of Caleb and Elizabeth Hobart were — 
Mary Elizabeth, born April 1, 1841 ; Emma Jane, born 
February 16, 1848 ; Arabella and Anabel (twins), born June 
25, 1852 ; Arabella died October 1, 1852. Henry C, born 
August 18, 1853; Lilla, born September 5, 1858; died Sep- 
tember 8, 1858. 

The children of John and Joanna Hobart were — 
Maria Otis, born July 11, 1831, who married William 
Stoddart, October 11, 1848 ; Mary Gay, born May 19, 1835, 
who died May 1, 1836 ; John Thomas, born May 19, 1843. 
The children of Albert and Sarah J. Hobart were — 
Mary Jane, born December 29, 1840, who died May 25, 
1844. Alonzo C, born March 9, 1843 ; married February 
18, 1864, Ellen M. Grose, of South Scituate. Albert, jr., 
born May 14, 1845 ; George A., born November 6, 1849 ; 
Rufus H., born May 30, 1851 ; William E., born August 15, 
1855 ; and Lewis E., born September 6, 1856. 



34* 



402 APPENDIX. 



Joshua Howe and Hannah Howe, his wife, came from 
Digliton, Mass., and settled in this town. He was a farmer 
and shoemaker. Their children were — Molly, Rachel, Nath- 
aniel, Hannah and Sarah. He died December 24, 1801, aged 
80 years. Hannah, his wife, died October 18, 1796, aged 73 
years, Molly or Mary, daughter of Joshua, died June 2, 
1792, aged 28 years. 

Rachel, daughter of Joshua, married a Mr. Drake, of 
Easton, Mass., and settled in that town. Nathaniel, son 
of Joshua, married Ruthe Colson. They had three children — 
Betsey, Mary and Joshua. Ruthe, wife of Nathaniel, died 
September 24, 1800, aged 34 years. Nathaniel died July 19, 
1814, aged 59 years. Betsey died at the age of 20 years. 
Mary married Rev. William Shedd, minister of the First 
Church, Abington. 

Mr. Shedd died November 11, 1830, aged 32 years, after 
a ministry of little more than one year. Mary, his wife, died 
March 21, 1865, aged 75 years. 

Betsey, or Elizabeth, daughter of Nathaniel, died January 
19, 1808, aged 19 years. 

Sai-ah Howe, second wife of Nathaniel, died September 24, 
1825. 

Joshua, son of Nathaniel, married Nancy TVales. They 
had one child — Elizabeth. He died December 9, 1814, aged 
22 years. 

Elizabeth, daughter of Joshua, married Dr. Alfred C. Gar- 
ratt, and settled in Hanover. Their children were — Joshua 
Howe and Alfred Hallock. She died May 16, 1853, aged 
39 years. 



ArrENDix. 403 



H O AV L A. 3sr r) . 

Freeman P. Howland came into Abington, from Hanson, 
Decembei", 1849 ; a descendant (of the seventh generation) 
from John Homeland and Elizaueth, who came to Plymouth 
in the Mayjloiver^ in 1620. 

The descent is traced as follows, viz. : — 

2. John Howland, eldest son of John and Elizabeth, married 
Mary Lee, October 2G, 1651, and after living in Marshfield a 
£g\v years, settled in Barnstable. The dates of his birth and 
death are not fonnd. He had several sons and daughters. 

3. Shubael, second son of John and Mary, born September 
30, 1672 ; married Mercy Blossom, December 13, 1700 ; had 
several children — 

4. Jabez, eldest son of Shnbael and Mercy, born September 
16, 1701 ; married Elizabeth Pcrcival, December 22, 1727. 

5. Zaccheus, son of Jabez and Elizabeth, born March 30, 
1747; married Mary, daughter of Rev. Samuel Palmer, of 
Falmouth ; lived in Barnstable, and had eleven children. He 
died November 16, 1828 ; she died September, 1831. 

6. "William, eldest son of Zaccheus and Mary, born June 
22, 1773; married Aurelia Yost; lived in Sandwich, and 
afterwards in Falmouth, Avhere he died November, 1824. She 
died February, 1827. Had five children. 

7. Freeman P., eldest son of William and Aurelia, born in 
Sandwich, September 3, 1797 ; graduated at Amherst College, 
1824 ; ordained and settled over the Congregational Church 
in Hanson, October 25, 1826 ; dismissed, at his request, about 
eight years after. He married Eliza Bartlctt, daughter of 
Deacon Abner Bartlett, of Plymouth, January 5, 1826 ; she 
died at Hanson, April 3, 1828. He afterwards, March 12, 
1829, married Deborah Sawin, widow of Dr. Daniel Sawin, 
and daughter of Edward and Elizabeth Gushing, of Hanson. 
His children were — 

Eliza Bartlett, born July 7, 1830 ; Deborah Cushing, boru 
October 17, 1831 ; married Dr. A. P. Chase, and moved 
to Illinois. Freeman Parker, born September 29, 1833 ; 



40E4 APPENDIX. 

married Virginia I. Cash, aod lives in Hanson ; has three 
children. 

Edward Gushing, born April 22, 1836 ; lives in Illinois. 
Charles William, born December 5, 1838 ; married Mariesta 
Dodge, of West Cambridge, December, 1862 ; has a daughter 
born March 12, 1865. Caroline Frances, born July 24, 1840 ; 
Isaac Cushing, born May 16, 1843; John Sawin, born No- 
vember 14, 1845 ; died August 25, 1846. 



H XJ N" T. 

The progenitor of the Weymouth line of Hunts, (from 
•whom the Abington line descended,) was Enoch Hunt, who 
lived in Titenden, in the parish of Lee, near Wendover, in 
England. He came to this country at a very early day, ivith 
his son Ephraim, and located in Weymouth. After awhile he 
returned to England, leaving his son, who married a wife, and 
had several sous. Among these was Thomas, who settled in 
Boston, married, and had nine children. Among these was 
Thomas, who settled in Weymouth, and had two wives : first, 
Elizabeth Reed ; second, Judith Short, by whom he had fifteen 
children. Among these was Thomas, who married Lydia 
Burrill, and had five children, viz., Lydia, Thomas, Ebeuezer, 
Elizabeth and Robert. 

Thomas removed to Abington about the year 1770, and 
located in what is now called East Abington, where Mr. 
Warren Hunt now lives, lie had a large tract of land, and 
became quite a farmer for that day. He had three wives : 
first, Experience Thayer ; second, Selah Shaw ; third, Mercy 
Pratt. He had, also, eleven children, viz., Sarah, Thomas, 
Elias, Lydia, Noah, Betsey, David, Elias, Silas, Reuben and 
Warren. 

Captain Thomas Hunt married Susanna Pool, and had 
eleven children, viz., Joseph, Susanna, Mehitable Pool, Ex- 
perience, Thomas Jefferson, Cyrus, Sarah, Mary, Bela Thaxter, 
Clarissa and Annis Reed. 

Major Joseph Hunt married Elizabeth Cushing Thaxter, 



APPENDIX. 405 

daughter of Dr. Gridley Tliaxter, aud had three chihlren — 
Bcnjamiu Liuoola, Elizabeth Thaxter and Amelia Baylies. 

Colonel Thomas J. Hunt married Sarah P. Howe, and had 
two children, who died in infancy. Mary E., born September 
6, 1832, died January 14, 1855 ; Sarah A., born October 3, 
1833, died March 8, 1851 ; Henry, born October 25, 1837. 

Bela T. Hunt moved to Illinois about 1838, and settled at 
St. Charles, on Fox River, when the country was quite new ; 
married Harriet Hunt Lothrop, and had Charles Lothrop, 
Frank Bradley, Clarrence, Thomas and Wilber Carroll. 

Benjamin L. Hunt, son of Joseph, married Othalia K. Soule, 
of Bridgcwater, and had Joseph and Grace Thaxter. 

Elizabeth Thaxter, daughter of Joseph, married Brackley 
C. Dunham. Amelia Baylies, daughter of Joseph, died July 
16, 1864. 



JACOBS. 

1. David Jacobs, born in Ilingham, April 5, 1799, son 
of Joseph, and grandson of Dr. Joseph, of Scituate, descen- 
dants of Nicholas Jacobs, who came from Hingham, England, 
and settled in Hingham, Mass., in 1633 ; married Olive Flye, 
of Maine, October 24, 1824, and settled in Abington. His 
wife died January 27, 1854. 

(Note. — For particulars of ancestry, see Barry's History 
OF Hanover.) 

Children — 1. Clarissa, born August 15, 1825; married 
Gridley T. Wheeler, of Abington, Feb. 17, 1846. 2. David, 
born January 7, 1827. 3. William F., born February 12, 
1828 ; was a soldier in the 12tli Massachusetts Regiment, 
and killed at the battle of Antietam, September 17, 1862. 
4. Olive M., born February 22, 1830. 5. James H., born 
April 20, 1832. 6. Daniel W., born August 17, 1834. 
7. Mary A., born February 1, 1837; died February 18, 
1851. 8. Joseph W., born April 26, 1840 ; died March 31, 
1843. 9. Walter R., born August 2, 1844 ; died May 7, 
1845. 



406 APPENDIX. 

2. David, son of David 1., married Sarah A. Wheeler, of 
Abington, May 21, 1848. 

Children — 1. Infant daughter, born and died April 21, 
1849. 2. David W., born February 22, 1851. 3. Mary A., 
born March 24, 1853. 4. Clara A., born July 16, 1855. 
6. Edwin S., born July 19, 1857. 6. Olive F., born May 
15, 1860. 7. Walter B., born March 24, 1862. 8. Fred- 
erick G., born July 5, 1864. 

3. James H., son of David 1., married Susan A. Chessman, 
of Weymouth, August 17, 1854. 

Children — 1. Olney, born February 9, 1857. 2. Carlton, 
born August 10, 1862 ; died November 6, 1864. 



J K N^ K I N- S . 

Edward Jenkins, of Scituate, was one of the Conihassett 
partners in 1G46, and a freeman in 1647. He purchased a 
part of Edward Forster's lot in 1647, and built his house at 
the corner of Kent Street, near the bridge, where the house 
of Capt. Lemuel Webb now stands. He had a lot, also, near 
where the Methodist Chapel now stands, where his son, 
Thomas, settled 1698. Edward Jenkins kept an Ordinary 
many years ; licensed first in 1677. He deceased in 1699. 
His will gives legacies " To my wife Mary, to son Thomas, 
to grandson Daniel, 20 acres near Valley Swamp (this is now 
called the Jenkins' meadow, on the north of Jacob's mill 
pond), to grandson Edward, to granddaughters Hannah 
Turner and Mary Bacon, to daughter Mary Cooke, to grand- 
daughter Mary Jenkins. Item — It is my Avill that bread and 
beer be given at my funeral, also that a sermon be preacihed 
at my funeral by Jeremiah Cushing, or some other minister 
whom my executor shall think meet. Also I give to the 
minister, that shall preach my funeral sermon, twenty shil- 
lings." 

By way of explanation, we remark that Edward Jenkins 
seems to have belonged to the liberal party of the Puritans. 



APPENDIX. 407 

The more strict party forbade sermons, aud even prayers, at 
funerals, because the Church of England said prayers at 
funerals, and the Church of Rome prayed for the dead. 

We have not learned who was the first wife of Edward 
Jenkins, and the mother of his children. His second wife 
was AVidow Mary Ripley, of Ilingham, 1684 ; his daughter, 
Mary, married Marmaduke Atkinson, 1670 ; and in 1674, 
being deserted, w-as divorced (see Colony Records). She 
afterwards married Robert Cooke. His daughter, Hannah, 
married Thomas Turner, Esq., a lawyer, 1693; and his 
daughter, Sarah, married Mr. Bacon, of Taunton. Thomas 
married Martha , 1678. 

Children — Hannah, born 1679 ; Thomas, born 1681 ; Ed- 
ward, 2d, born 1683 ; Daniel, born 1685. "We find no families 
of these sons in Scituate, except of Edward, 2d, who married, 
first, Martha Daman, 1705, aud, second, Abigail Merritt, 
1728. 

Children — Mary, born 1706; Thomas, born 1707; Anna, 
born 1708; Samuel, born 1711; Thankful, born 1712; 
Edward, 3d, born 1713; David, born 1715; Mary, bora 
1717; James, born 1718; Martha, born 1724; Content, 
born 1726; Daniel, born 1728. 

David, son of Edward, 2d, married, first, Elizabeth Merritt 
in 1741, and removed to Abington ; and second, Mary Stetson, 
daughter of Nathaniel Stetson, of Hanover. 

Children — David, born ; Isaiah, born 1750; Keziah, 

who married Cashing ; Betsey, who married David 

Hersey ; Elsie, born 1759, who married Noah Pratt ; Rachael, 
who married Charles Lane ; Miranda, who married Nathaniel 
Nash ; Thankful, who married John Reed ; and Malachi. 

Isaiah, son of David, and grandson of Edward, 2d, married 
Huldah Gurney in 1770. She was born November 1, 1754; 
died January 17, 1S29, aud he died January 11, 1828. 

Children — Isaiah, born September 14, 1771 ; Martha, bora 
March 22, 1773; married Zenas Smith; she died in 1844. 
Huldah, born March 10, 1775; married Daniel Noyes ; she 
died November 1, 1812. Merritt, born September 28, 1776 ; 



408 APPENDIX. 

he removed to East Bridgewater, and died in 1861. Mehit- 
able, born September 23, 1778 ; married Nathaniel Tliomas, 
and removed to Cummington. Betsey, born April, 1781 ; 
married John Brown, and removed to East Bridgewater, 
where she died February 21, 1819. Lemuel, born February 
17, 1783. Zenas, born February 16, 1785. Lydia, born 
April 25, 1787; married Thomas Reed. Gridley, born Feb- 
ruary 23, 1789. Rebecca, born August 2, 1791 ; married 
William Holbrook ; she died December 11, 1811. Paul, born 
Marcli 31, 1793, and died January 4, 1794. Lucy, born June 
27, 1795 ; married Ebenezer Reed. 

Isaiah, son of Isaiah, married Lydia Hersey, and removed 
to Cummington. 

Children — Polly, born 1795 ; Leonard, born 1797 ; Betsey, 
born 1799; Isaiah, born 1801; Mehitable, born 1803; 
Martha, born 1805 ; David H., born 1807 ; Paul, born 
1809 ; Paul, born October, 1810 ; George W., born Janu- 
ary 31, 1812; Merritt, born February 1, 1814. 

Lemuel, son of Isaiah, married Clarissa Lovewell, June 21, 
1807 ; he died April 14, 1823, and she died December 28, 
1857. 

Children — Aaron, born May 16, 1808 ; Clarissa, born 
March 14, 1810 ; married Theodore Reed, December, 1831. 
Rebecca, born October 18, 1812 ; married Samuel V. Loud, 
December 30, 1830. Matilda, born March 12, 1815 ; married 
Benjamin F. Burgess, December, 1832. Harriet, born Janu- 
ary 9, 1818 ; married Henry Beal, December 24, 1835. 
Lemuel, born July 8, 1820 ; died August 25, 1823. 

Zenas, son of Isaiah, married, first, Molly Pratt, 1804 ; she 
died 1810 ; second. Patience Chamberlin, October, 1811 ; he 
died July 15, 1835. 

Children— Mehitable P., born April 29, 1805; married 
Jenkins Lane, December 22, 1825. Mary, born April 24, 
1810; married Andrew Studley, February 10, 1831. Zenas, 
born August 20, 1813. Isaiah, born December 13, 1817. 
Nathan S., born February 14, 1820. Huldah G., born Jan- 



APPENDIX. 409 

uary 8, 1822 ; died February 9, 1841. Lemuel, born October 
26, 182G. Rebecca, boru August 10, 1830. 

Gridley, sea of Isaiah, married Nancy Hersey, December 
10, 1809 ; she was born August 8, 1791 ; died October 3, 
18G1 ; and he died March IG, 184G. • 

Children — Anna Pool, born February 1, 1811 ; married 
Joshua Goodnoe, of Springfield, Vt,, October 31, 1830 ; no 
children. 

Aaron, son of Lemuel, married Sally Downing, December, 
1828 ; he removed to Lynn, where he now resides. 

Chiklren — Joseph L., born August, 1832 ; Edward C, born 
August, 1834. 

Zenas, son of Zenas, married Mary R. Hunt, April 23, 
1834. 

Children — Edward, born February 25, 1835 ; died February 
9, 1836. Mary E., born September 17, 1838 ; married Charles 
J. Horn, jr., of Amity, N. Y., December 1, 1858. Emery 
H., born March 19, 1854. 

Isaiah, son of Zenas, married, first, Eleanor J. Winslow, 
August 31, 1837 ; she died July 6, 1845 ; and second, Chris- 
tiana C. Lane, December 22, 1847. 

Children — Henry, born October 27, 1838; died December 
19, 1838. Maria, born October 25, 1851. Carrie Wortley, 
born July 2, 1860. 

Nathan S., son of Zenas, married Betsey Studley, August 
29, 1839. 

Children— William S., born May 20, 1842 ; died September 
1, 1842; Albina, born June 2, 1844; Elliot, born October 6, 
1846 ; died May 14, 1848. Joseph H., born December 29, 
1851. Charles S., born September 5, 1857. 

Lemuel, son of Zenas, married Mary B. Fletcher, Novem- 
ber 5, 1850 ; she was born in Maine, February 27, 1829. 

Children — Abbie, born August 12, 1851 ; Fletcher, born 
April 19, 1859. 

35 



410 APPENDIX. 

K I N Gr . 

John King, the first of this name who settled in this town, 
came from Hiiigham, Mass. He was a farmer, a merchant, 
'and business-man generally. He was a frugal, careful, shrewd 
manager, and acquired a considerable fortune ; and was re- 
garded, for his time, a wealthy citizen. He married Hannah 
Howe. They had five children — John, Joshua, Sally, Hannah 
and Benjamin. John King, sen., died January 2, 1819, aged 
G3 years. Hannah King, his w:fe, died July 8, 1843, aged 83 
years. 

John, jr., Avas educated at Harvard University; studied 
law, and settled in West Randolph, Mass. He married Sally 
W. Turner. They had eight children — John, Sarah W. T., 
Abby T., Seth T., Hannah H., Julia C, Benjamin, and 
Royal T. ; he died January 3, 1840, aged 59 years. 

Joshua, son of John, sen., was a farmer, and chosen deacon 
of the First Church in Abington. He married Hannah Torrey, 
daughter of Deacon Josiah Torrey, of Abington. They had 
five children — Mary Torrey, Joshua Howe, Josiah Torrey, 
Mehitable Torrey, and John Avery. He died September 5, 
1849, aged 66 years. Hannah, his wife, died November 1, 
1863, aged 74. 

Sally, daughter of John, sen., was unmarried. She died iu 
1825, aged 38 years. 

Hannah, daughter of John, sen., was unmarried, and died 
July 5, 1862, aged 74 years. 

Benjamin, son of John, sen., was a man of miscellaneous 
business — farmer, merchant, &c. Pie was president of the 
Union Bank of Weymouth and Braintree for twenty-seven 
years ; was Major-General of the State Militia ; was a man 
of wealth, and contributed largely to the business enterprises 
of the town and vicinity. He married, late in life, Mrs. Susau 
H. Noyes, of Boston. They had one child, Edward Payson, 
who died in infancy, aged 1 year. He died May 27, 1858, 
aged 64 years. 

Mary Torrey, daughter of Deacon Joshua, married Rev. 



APPENDIX. 411 

Dennis Powers, then of East Randolph, now both residents of 
this town. 

Joshua Howe, son of Deacon Joshua, was a shoe manu- 
facturer. He married Mary Ann Ehus, of West Randolph. 
Their children are four — Josiah Torrey, Frederic, Ellen "Ware 
and Mary Ann. lie died July 15, 1864, aged 47 years. 

Josiah Torrey, son of Deacon Joshua, was educated at Yale 
College, Conn. ; studied divinity at the New Haven Theological 
Semiuary ; preached the Gospel for three years ; one of these 
years labored at the West as a Home Missionary, and died 
October 7, 1849, aged 30 years — a young man of talent and 
much promise. 

Mehitable Torry was unmarried, and died September 9, 
1855, aged 34 years. 

John Avery, son of Deacon Joshua, is a farmer ; Deacon 
of the First Church in Abington. He married for his first 
wife Ellen Ware Pierce, daughter of Rev. Willard Pierce, of 
North Abington. They had three children — Alice Pierce, 
who died in infancy ; Henrietta Torrey and Fanny Shepard. 
Ellen Ware, wife of Deacon John A., died July 22, 1856, 

aged . He married for his second wife Sarah F. 

Hayward, daughter of Deacon Elias Hayward, of Braintree, 
Mass. Their children Avere — Alice Elizabeth, (died in in- 
fancy,) and Sarah Avery. 



L ^ N- B . 

Among the early settlers in Hinghara, we find Andrew 
Lane, of Dorchester, who settled in that town in 1635, at tlie 
time of the second emigration from England. In his will, 
proved July 6, 1654, he gave legacies to his sons, George and 
Andrew, of Hingham. 

Andrew had nine children. He died May 1, 1675; his 
widow died June 2, 1707, aged 95. 

Andrew, jr., baptized 1664 ; married Elizabeth Fames, 
December 5, 1672, and had seven children. He died De- 
cember 4, 1717 ; his widow died November 12, 1727. 



412 APPENDIX. 

Andrew, son of Jonathan, was born December 27, 1685; 
married Abigail, daughter of Thomas Andrews, October 30, 
1718 ; she died May 26, 1763, aged 70. 

Jonathan, sen., died October 15, 1774, aged 94; Jonathan 
and Abigail had six children. 

Daniel, son of Jonathan and Abigail, Avas born May 28, 
1724 ; married Lydia Tower, May 19, 1746, and removed to 
Abington ; settled in the easterly part of the town, near the 
corner of AVebster and Liberty Streets. He had three sons 
and several daughters. lie died March 12, 1816. 

Daniel, jr., was born February 25, 1750 ; married Hannah 
Andrews, February 20, 1774 ; settled near his father, and had 
a large family of children. His wife, Hannah, died May 7, 
1809. He died October 23, 1831. 

Caleb, son of Daniel, sen., was born November 4, 1763 ; 
died unmarried. 

Chai'les, son of Daniel, sen., was born April 19, 1765; 
married Rachel, daughter of David Jenkins, May 25, 1788; 
settled in the easterly part of the town, now the corner of 
Union and Market Streets. His wife died April 14, 1840. 
He died September 31, 1849. 

Children of Charles and Rachel, his wife — 

1. David, born July 12, 1791 ; married Ruth Lincoln, 
daughter of Jonathan Cushing, Esq., of Hingham, December 
2, 1816. He died October 18, 1831. 

2. Charles, jr., born January 27, 1793; married Sarah, 
daughter of Deacon Isaac Reed, August 7, 1815. Removed 
to Boston. Died June, 1861. 

3. Rachel, born September 14, 1797; died October 23, 
1805. 

4. Richmond, born October 13, 1799 ; died in infancy. 

5. Jenkins, born July 24, 1801 ; married Mehitable Pratt, 
daughter of Zenas Jenkins, December 22, 1825. 

6. Lydia, born November 1, 1803 ; married Harvey Torrey, 
Esq., December 6, 1826. 

Children of David and Ruth, his wife — 

Ruth Lincoln, born December 9, 1817; married Jonathan 



APPENDIX. 413 

Gushing, of Hingliam, June 18, 1814 ; died December 24, 
1.SG2. 

David, born January 17, 1820; married Mary N. Torrey, 
May 11, 1843. Children — Levina, born April 8, 1844; 
Rosiua, born JNIay 17, 1846 ; Evelyn, born October 25, 
1848; Charles Sumner, born May 28, 1851 ; Henry Martin, 
born August 2, 1855. Removed to New York, 1851. 

Christiana Cushing, born May 30, 1822 ; married Isaiah 
Jenkins, December 22, 1847. 

Mary Simmons, born December 2, 1825 ; died September 
11, 1838. 

Henry Martin, born March 30,1827; died November 25, 
1847. 

Emeline, born January 28, 1831 ; married Edwin S. Turrell, 
jr., January IG, 1851. 

Children of Chai'les, jr., and Sarah, his wife — 

Rachel J., born November 28, 1816 ; married Andrew J. 
Foster, of Hanover. 

Sarah P., born April 12, 1818 ; married Joseph French, 
December 25, 1834. 

Annis J., born August 20, 1820 ; married George ^Y. Chip- 
man, of Boston, February 16, 1842, 

Maria L., born October 7, 1822 ; married Leander Curtis, 
son of Joshua Curtis, May 21, 1840. 

Henry F., born March 15, 1824 ; married Sarah H. Howard, 
July 12, 1854. 

Julia A., born June 23, 1827 ; married William G. Harris, 
of Boston, May 6, 1847. 

Charles B., born July 25, 1832 ; married Anuie Richardson, 
of Boston, November 17, 1859. 

Children of Jenkins and Mehitable, his wife — 

1. Richmond J., born October 6, 1826; married Sarah 
Ann, daughter of Micah H. Pool, Esq., December 21, 1846. 

2. Zenas M., born October 22, 1828 ; married Emeline, 
daughter of Moses Morse, of Pawtucket, R. I., January 15, 
1851. 

35* 



414 APPENDIX. 

3. Mehitable P., born May 9, 1831 ; inan-ied Rev. John 
W. Harding, of Long Meadow, December 29, 1852. 

4. Elvira, born April 23, 1833 ; married Jefferson Shaw, 
October 8, 1852. 

5. Alonzo, born April 12, 1835 ; married Maria, daughter 
of Judson Smith, September 19, 1856. 

6. Everett, born Jmie 24, 1837; married Sarah, daughter 
of William Warne, of Washington, New Jersey, June 24, 
1857. 

< 7. Maria Jane, born September 28, 1839 ; died October 
6, 1840. 



N ^ S H . 

From records collected and compiled by the Rev. Sylvester 
Nash, of Essex, Conn., it is ascertained that the Nash's, in the 
United States, previous to 1800, were divided into four original 
branches. 

1. The descendants of James Nash, of Weymouth. 

2. The descendants of Thomas Nash, of New Haven, Ct. 

3. The descendants of Edward Nash, of Norwalk, Ct. 

4. The descendants of William Nash, of Virginia and North 
Carolinia. 

They may or may not have been nearly related. The 
earliest record is that of James, in Weymouth, in 1628. 

II. His son, Lieut. Jacob, of Weymouth, had eleven chil- 
dren, seven sons and four daughters ; six sons settled in 
Weymouth, and James in Abington. 

The daughter Abigail married an Agcr in South Wey- 
mouth ; Alice married Capt. William Reed, first Town Clerk 
of Abington, and died December 5, 1751 ; Mary married 
Samuel Porter, and settled in Abington ; Sarah married 
Samuel Pool, Esq. 

III. James, (Ensign,) son of Lieut. Jacob, and grandson 
of James, and first Town Treasurer of Abington, died 1725 ; 
married, first, Mary . 

Children — James, born 1705; Peter, born January, 1710; 



APPENDIX. 415 

Hannah married Christopher Dyer; died 1760. James mar- 
ried, second, Experience . 

Chihlron — Experience married Joshua Pratt, of East Bridge- 
•\vater ; Mary married Captain Obadiah Reed, son of Captain 
"William Reed ; Sarah married James Torrey ; Abigail mar- 
ried James Reed; Samuel, born August 4, 1721; Silence, 
born April 19, 1739 ; mai'ricd AA'illiam Reed. 

IV. James, (Lieut.,) son of James and Mary, born 1705 ; 
died May 6, 1759. Married Mary Pratt, of Easton ; born 
1705; died 17G1. 

Children — Mary married Samuel Norton, Esq., formerly of 
Hingham ; deceased. James, bora 1737; and seven died in 
infancy. 

V. James, born 1737 ; died June 7, 1771. Married Tanaar 
Bates; Lorn 1742; died April 10, 1772. 

Children — James, born September 10, 1761 ; Nathaniel^ 
born May 8, 1764 ; Ephraim died 1764, 3 months old ; Daniel, 
born 1767; Micah died 1780, 12 years old. 

VI. James, sou of James and Tamar, born September 10, 
1761; died August 6, 1811. Married Sai*ah Brown; bora 
December 29, 1764 ; died May 2 5, 1842. 

Children — James, born December 16, 1785; died March 
18, 1858. Micah, born October 31, 1788; died March 31, 
1849. Ira, born August 20, 1791; died March 24, 1859. 
Polly, born October 25, 1794; married Nelson Beal (2d 
■wife). Seliua Huntington, born November 24, 1796 ; mar- 
ried Nehon Beal ; she died October 4, 1827. Dorothy 
Brown, born July 8, 1806 ; married BcLJamin Beal (2d 
wife) ; she died April 14, 1838. 

. VII. James, son of James and Sarah, married Mary Otis 
Churchill; born March 25, 1791 ; died October 27, 1864. 

Children — James Otis, born February 2, 1814; Meritt, 
born October 10, 1815 ; Mary Ann, born November 4, 1817 ; 
died June 18, 1864. Sylvanus, born September 14, 1819; 
Eleazer Dexter, born January 23, 1821. 

VIII. James Otis, sou of James and Mary Otis, married 
Fanny Doriu ; born March 4, 1810 ; died March 15, 1844. 



416 APPENDIX. 

Children — Deborah Otis, born July 26, 1836 ; James Emery, 
born January 6, 1838 ; Elmer Hewitt, born Febi'uary 22, 
.1840 ; Sylvanus Meritt, born March 26, 1842. 

Said James Otis married Mary Damon (second wife) ; bora 
1808 ; died December 22, 1852. Said James Otis married 
Betsey Stetson (third wife) ; born September 23, 1810. 

IX. James Emery married Helen Augusta Rust, bora 
February 22, 1836 ; they have one child — Helen Ellsworth — 
born June 2, 1866. 

Elmer Hewitt married Jennie Anna AVildman, born No- 
vember 4, 1845. 

Children — Ella Isabel, born June 29, 1864, at Cheshire, 
Conn. ; a son, born February 22, 1866, at Abington. 

Sylvanus Mei'itt married Anna White Chase, born August 
15, 1846. 

VIII. Meritt, son of James and Mary Otis, married Betsy 
Shaw, born August 20, 1819. 

Children — Meritt Ferdinand, bora March 29, 1847 ; William 
Wallace, born January 17, 1850; Frank Wellington, born 
August 16, 1852 ; Melvin Shaw, born August 3, 1857 ; Mary 
Otis, born October 27, 1859. 

VIII. Mary Ann, daughter of James and Mary Otis, 
married Ira Meritt. 

VIII. Sylvanus, son of James and Mary Otis, married 
Mary Frances Rust, born July 25, 1829. 

Children — Welland Arthur, born May 15, 1851 ; died Sep- 
tember 27, 1851. Ewiug Proctor, born April 23, 1853; 
George Miner, born October 3, 1854 ; Everett Clifford, born 
July 19, 1856; Lillian Effa, born September 27, 1858, at 
Elgin, 111. 

VIII. Eleazer Dexter, son of James and Mary Otis, mar- 
ried Annis Reed Hunt, born December 17, 1817. 

Children — Charles Di?xter, born December 4, 1843; William 
Howard, born July 20, 1845 ; George Francis, born February 
15, 1847; died March 26, 1852. Cyrus Clifford, born June 
13, 1851 ; died June 14, 1852. Georgetta Frances, born 



APPENDIX. 417 

April 1 5, 1853 ; Eliot, born October 5, 1855 ; Hattie Hunt, 
born September 10, 1858. 

IX. William Howard married Lydia Anderson Perkins, 
born September 4, 1847. 

VI. IMicah, son of James and Sarah, married Sarah 
Tliaxtcr, born December 13, 1792. 

Children — Sarah Lincoln, born September 30, 1814; died 
October 12, 18 J8. Mary Thaxter, born September 20, 1816 ; 
Elizabeth Baylies, born February 9, 1819; Bela Thaxter, 
born Jidy 18, 1821; Micah, born February 28, 1824; Char- 
lotte Brown, born September 20, 182G ; Gridley Thaxter, 
born iMarcli 10, 1828 ; Benjamin Lincoln, born September 14, 
1831 ; James Edward, born September 26, 1833. 

VII. Mary Thaxter, daughter of Micah and Sarah, married 
Harvey Reed. 

VII. Bela Thaxter, son of Micah and Sarah, married Eliz- 
abeth Kingman Richards, born November 1, 1828. 

VII. Micah, son of Micah and Sarah, married Calista 
Churchill, born August 25, 1826. 

Children — Samuel Rogers, born November 25, 1850 ; died 
December 15, 1850. Samuel Brooks, born July 16, 1852 ; 
died April 29, 1853. Walter Brooks, born February 18, 
1854 ; drowned July 18, 1866. Carrie Calista, born July 16, 
1859 ; Sarah Lincoln, born October 10, 1863 ; Edward Leslie, 
born April 26, 1866. 

VII. Charlotte Brown, daugliter of Micah and Sarah, 
married Moses H. McKenney. 

VII. Gridley Thaxter, son of Micah and Sarah, married 
Sarah Frances Shaw, born December 5, 1834. 

Child — Freddie Allen, born October 22, 1859 ; died July 
17, 1861. 

VII. Benjamin Lincoln, son of Micah and Sarah, married 
Maria Frances Cashing, born March 1, 1837. 

Child— Nellie Gertrude, born March 12, 186^2. 

VII. James Edward, son of Micah and Sarah, married 
Louisa Maria Reed, born January 10, 1838. 



418 ArPENDIX. 

VI. Ira, son of James and Sarah, married Mehitable Pool 
Hunt, born November 7, 1801. 

Children — Ann Maria, born March 28, 1823 ; died August 
27, 1839. Erastus Maltbj', born January 5, 1826 ; Francis 
Henry, born October 29, 1833 ; Selina Iluutiugton, born Oc- 
tober 4, 1837 ; Albert Mason, born December 4, 1840. 

VII. Erastus Maltby, sou of Ira and Mehitable Pool, mar- 
ried Almira Augusta Gushing, born February 2, 1829 ; died 
August 1, 18G0. 

Children — Henry Augustus, born January 29, 1848 ; died 
April 12, 1852. George Walter, born March 13, 1851 ; 
Emma Augusta, born December 24, 1853 ; died August 10, 
1860. Alice Maria, born February 22, 1857. Married, 2d, 
Lucy Augusta Keen, born December 27, 1833. 

VII. Francis Henry, son of Ira and Mehitable Pool, mar- 
ried Harriet Augusta Hunt, born May 11, 1835. 

Children — Anna Maria, born December 25, 1852 ; Ilattie 
Frances, born September 13, 1800. 

VII. Albert Mason, son of Ira and Mehitable Pool, mar- 
ried Almeda Alden Loud, born April 23, 1842. 

VI. Nathaniel, born May 8, 1764; died November 28, 
1835. Married Miranda Jenkins, bora August, 1767; died 
March 15, 1812. 

Children — Lydia, born September 2, 1791 ; married John 
Pool. Tamar, born February 2, 1794; married Elias Nash, 
and died April 8, 1845. Betsey, born July 12, 1796 ; married 
Leonard Nash. Miranda, born April 29, 1799; married 
Spencer Gloyd, and died September 28, 1831. Thankful, 
born November 2, 1804 ; married Gideon Ramsdell. Nath- 
aniel, born September 2, 1807. 

VII. Nathaniel, (Captain,) son of Nathaniel and Miranda, 
born September 2, 1807; died August 1, 1861. Married 
Sarah Loud, born February 22, 1811. 

Children— Francis A., born April 19, 1834; Isabel F., 
born August 20, 1837 ; died September 13, 1837. Nathaniel 
E., born October 25, 1838; died November 18, 1841. Ed- 
ward E., born January 8, 1843 ; married Mary F. Foster, 



APPENDIX. 419 

and died June 19, 1863. Nathaniel W., born July 25, 
1847. 

VIII. Francis Alvarez, son of Nathaniel and Sarah, born 
April 19, 1834 ; married Kezier L. Hall, born April 24, 
1836. 

Children — Isabel Frances, born July 19, 1856 ; Agnes 
Hartley, born February 12, 1858 ; Minnie Hall, born April 
11, 1860 ; died October 19, 1864. Bertha Alvarez, born May 
19, 1864. 

VI. Daniel, son of James and Tamar, born 1767; died 
November 13, 1804 ; married Rosanda Porter. 

Children — three died in infancy ; Harriet married Havelin 
Torrey; Loriug; Mehitable died October 29, 1805, aged 6 
years ; Clarissa married Cyrus Gurney. 

IV. Peter, son of James and Mary, born January, 1710; 
died January, 1773. Married Mary Noyes, born 1718 ; died 
September 18, 1795. 

Children — Jacob, died, aged 20 years ; Peter, born July 31, 
1738; Daniel married Susan 'Richards, and moVed to Cum- 
mington, died December 10, 1823 ; John, born March 17, 
1748 ; David, born 1752 ; died July 6, 1775, in U. S. Service, 
at Roxbury ; Jonathan, born 1754 ; Molly died May 12, 1777, 
aged 36 years; Hannah died February 26, 1793, aged 46 
years; Jacob, born March, 1760 ; Solomon -and Anna died in 
infancy. 

V. Peter, jr., son of Peter and Mary, born July 31, 1738 , 
died March 14, 1825. Married Sarah Torrey, born 1738; 
died August 6, 1797. 

Children — Sarah died in infancy; Asa, born Juh" 11, 1762; 
Molly married Nehemiah Thayer, of Randolph ; Sarah mar- 
ried Richard Belcher, of Raudolpli ; Hannah married Calvin 
Thayer, of Randolph ; Mehitable married Samuel Newcomb, 
of Randolph ; died June 9, 1814, aged 40 years. Experience 
died October 17, 1781, aged 5 years; Ann married Ebenezer 
Joy, of Weymouth, and died 1810; Joseph married Rebecca 
Lyon, of Halifax, and moved to Sydney, Me. ; Peter married 
Unity Jordan, of Stoughton, and moved to Pittston, Me. 



420 APPENDIX. 

• 

VI. Asa, son of Peter, jr., and Sarah, born Jnly 11, 1762 ; 
died 1815. Married Hannah Shaw, born November 25, 
1772 ; died August 11, 18C3. 

Children — Hannah, born February 11, 1798 ; married Daniel 
Noyes. Asa, born October 10, 1799 ; William, born February 
12, 1802 ; Joseph and Mary, born January 29, 1805 ; she died 
December 27, 1826. 

VII. William, son of Asa and Hannah, born February 12, 
1802. Married, first, Nancy Bicknell, born 1808 ; died Octo- 
ber 13, 1850. 

Children — Jacob, born June 10, 1831 ; Mary, born April 
26, 1832 ; married Woodbridge Brown (2d wife). N. Maria, 
born December 23, 1836 ; married Gilbert J. Eamsdell. 
Married, second, Eliza Jane Thompson, born September 5, 
1825. 

CliilJ — daughter, Jane Elva, born February 14, 1861. 

VIII. Jacob B., son of William an 1 Nancy, born June 10, 
1831. Married Charlotte Nash, born February 14, 1833, in 
Pittston, Me. 

Children — George W., born August 2, 1856 ; Arthur D., 
born March 26, 1860 ; Isven E., born March 4, 1866. 

V. John, son of Peter and Mary, born March 17, 1748; 
died February 18, 1826. Married, first, Molly Tounsend, 
born 1771 ; died July 17, 1797. 

Children — daughter died in infancy ; John, born July 18, 
1790; died July 17, 1851 (Town Clerk). Married, second, 
Molly Bates, born 1765; died April 23, 1846. 

Children — infant died July 16, 1801 ; Mary, born Septem- 
ber 17, 1802 ; died December 16, 1859. 

V. Jonathan, son of Peter and Mary, born 1754; died 

February 26, 1827. Married Rebecca , born 1764 ; died 

March 5, 1838. 

IV. Samuel, son of James and Experience, born August 
4, 1721 ; died 1814. Married Abigail Hersey. 

Children — Samuel, born August 4, 1744; Matthew, born 
November 29, 1747; Solomon, born December 16, 1753 ; he 
was wounded in a battle at Rhode Island, August 22, 1778, 



APPENDIX. 421 

• 

and died September 5, in Providence. Luke, born October 16, 
1757. Surah, born December 10, 1750; married Gideon 
Ramsdell, jr. ; deceased. Polly, born July 19, 1762 ; married 
James Donoghue, and died August 25, 1825 ; death occasioned 
by taking salt-petre. 

V. Samuel, Rev., son of Samuel and Abigail, born August 
4, 1744 ; died February 1, 1821 ; settled in Gray, Me. ; mar- 
ried Fannie Esterbi'ooks, of AVarren, R. I. 

Children — Samuel, Solomon, Francis, Abigail, James, John, 
Huldah and Sarah. Rev. Samuel had, January 1, 1826, 35 
grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. 

v. Matthew, son of Samuel and Abigail, born November 
29, 1747; died December 14, 1827. Married Hannah 
Erskine. 

VI. Alexander, born 1777; died 1847. Married Olive 
Whitman, born 1782 ; died 1859. 

Children— Hannah, born 1806; died 1846. N. Heridon, 
born 1808; Jared, born 1810; died 1840. Mehitable, bora 
1812 ; married William P. Corthell, Esq. Edwin, born 1815 ; 
died 1851. Clarissa, born 1817; died 1843. Olive, born 
1819 ; died 1837. John L., born 1821 ; died 1852. 

VII. N. Heridon, son of Alexander and Olive, born 1808 ; 
died 1854. Married Sarah J. Smeltser, of New Orleans. 

Children — Horian A., born 1837 ; married Fannie Ross, 
Van of the Cherokee Nation. Augustine S., born 1839 ; 
married Ephraim Whitman. Frank, born 1841 ; Albert, 
born 1844; William S., born 1846; Florence, born 1848; 
Clara A., born 1850. 

V. Luke, (Major,) son of Samuel and Abigail, born Octo- 
ber 16, 1757; died April 10, 1834. Married Nabby Smith, 
born March 7, 1761 ; died December 2, 1821. 

Children — Cyrus, born May 8, 1780 ; died March 4, 1850. 
Lydia, born September 8, 1781 ; married Enos Cox and died 
May 11, 1806. Susanna, born December 20, 1783; died 
May 2, 1806. Sally, born September 14, 1785 ; Rowena, 
born March 11, 1787; married Eleazer Whiting, and died 
February 19, 1816. Elias, born March 13, 1789 ; married 
3G 



422 APPENDIX. 

Taraar Nash, and died October 16, 185G. Leonard, born 
January 26, 1791 ; Luke, born March 26, 1793 ; Polly, born 
April 11, 1795; Celia, born January 29, 1797; died March 

20, 1848. Nabby, born March 7, 1799; died October 11, 
1855. 

VI. Leonard, son of Luke and Nabby, born January 26, 
1791. Married Betsey Nash, daughter of the late Nathaniel 
Nash, born July 12, 1796. 

VII. Joshua Leonard, born March 4, 1820. Married, first, 
Abby White Packard, born May 4, 1823 ; died August 29, 
1852. 

Child — Joshua Huntington, born February 10, 1848. 
Married, second, Anna H. King, born July 26, 1827. 
Children — Emma Hammond, born July 19, 1855 ; Abby 
Elizabeth, born November 10, 1863 ; died January 10, 1864. 

VI. Luke, son of Luke and Nabby, born March 26, 1793 ; 
died January 22, 1861. Married, first, Ruth Ramsdell, born 
; died August 16, 1839. 

Children — Susan, born March 6, 1812; married Joseph 
Brown; died May 1, 1859. Richmond, born December 21, 
1814. Eliza, born February 10, 1816; married Willis Har- 
den. Charles, born March 16, 1818. Emeline, born March 
14, 1820; married Josiah H, Crump; died April 22, 1842. 
Married, second, Sarah P. Gould. 

VII. Richmond, son of Luke and Ruth, born December 

21, 1814; died February 6, 1852; married Mary H. Bates. 
Children — Mary II. married John Waterman ; Lydia E. 

married George W. Wright; Eliza F. married Charles Dyer; 
Henrietta AV. ; Emma R. 

VII. Charles, son of Luke and Ruth, born March 16, 
1818 ; married Lydia A. Griswold. 

Children — Eliza, died in infancy ; Charles, born October 
30, 1849 



APPENDIX. 423 



N O Y E S. 

Nicholas Notes, from whom that branch of the Noyes 
family, residing iu Abington, descended, came with his brother 
James to New England from Choulderton, Iq Wiltshire, Eng., 
in the brig Elizabeth^ in 1634. 

They descended from a knight by the name of James, who 
was with William, at the battle of Hastings, in the year lOGO. 
The chief or head of this family came to England from Nor- 
mandy, and Avas with King Richard Cocur de Leon, iu the 
Holy Laud. 

Their father's name was William, who was instituted as 
rector iu the diocese of Salisbury iu 1602, but resigned in 
1620. The mother was sister of the Rev. Robert Parker, 
called a very learned Puritan, who was driven to Holland for 
his disinclination to adopt Queen Elizabeth's forms. 

Nicholas was born in 1616. He came to Ipswich in 1634, 
soon after his arrival iu this country; and, iu May, 1635, he 
removed to Newbury. He was a representative from that 
town. He married Mary, daughter of Captain John Cutting. 
They had thirteen cliildren — 

Mary, Hannah, John, Rev. Nicholas, Cutting, Sarah, boru 
1651 ; Sarah, boru 1653 ; Timothy, James, Abigail, Rachel, 
Thomas and Rebecca, He died November 23, 1701, aged 85 
years. 

John, oldest son of Nicholas, was born January 20, 1646, 
and married Mary Poor, November 23, 1668. They had ten 
children — 

Nicholas, Daniel, Mary, John, Martha, boru 1679 ; Martha, 
born 1680 ; Nathaniel, Elizabeth, Moses and Samuel. 

Samuel, the youngest son of John, was born February 5, 
1692, and came to Abington with his oldest brother, Nicholas, 
about 1712. He married Hannah Poor, and lived on the 
place now occupied by the Misses Niles. They had eight 
children — 

Samuel, Daniel, Mary, John, Benjamin, Abigail, Jacob and 
Ebenezer. He died November 6, 1729. 



424 APPENDIX. 

Capt. Daniel, the second son of Samuel, was born October 
7, 171G. He cleared up the farm now owned by Jacob Noyes. 
He married Hannah Thayer in 1743. They had three chil- 
dren — 

Hannah, Daniel and Elizabeth. He married for his second 
wife Mary Burrill, December 29, 1750. They had ten chil- 
dren — 

Daniel, Mercy, Daniel, Sarah, Ephraim, Asa, Benjamin, 
Hannah, Deborah and John. He married for his third wife 
Widow Mary Reed. They had two children — 

Daniel and Mercy. He died November 11, 17S0. 

Lieut. Ephraim, the third son of Capt. Daniel by his second 
wife, was born February 20, 1757, and married Sarah Dike 
in 1779. They had eight children — 

Hannah, Jacob, Sarah, Ephraim, Rebekah, Daniel, Jacob 
and Alva. He was one of the selectmen of the town for 
several years ; and, in 1800, he moved to North Bridgewater. 
He died June 14, 1822. 

Sarah, daughter of Ephraim, married Noah Norton, of 
Abingtou, and lived on the place now occupied by Jacob 
Noyes, until the death of her husband ; after his death, re- 
moved to North Bridgewater, with her three children. 

Daniel, son of Ephraim, graduated at Yale College in 1812, 
and settled in Boston as an apothecary ; was of the firm of 
Maynard & Noyes ; had several children ; died in 1852. At 
his death resided in Andover, having been for sevei'al years 
treasurer of the Theological Seminary at that place. 

Jacob, the fourth son of Ephraim, was born March 5, 
1795, and married Olive Edson, (born May 5, 1795, and died 
April 13, 1853,) December 28, 1818. They had two chil- 
dren — Henry Augustus and Lewis Ellinwood. 

Henry A., oldest son of Jacob, was born September 28, 
1820, and married H. Amelia Loud, October 22, 1845. They 
have had two children — Amelia Frances, born November 26, 
1846, and died March 2, 1848 ; Ella Maria, born September 
28, 1851. 

Lewis E., youngest son of Jacob, was born July 3, 1823, 



APPENDIX. 425 

and married Lucy A. Briggs, September 10, 1849. They 
have two childreu — Charlotte Elizabeth, bora August 10, 
1850 ; aud Auua Louden, born May 29, 185G. 

Daniel, son of Captain Daniel Noyes, born Sept. 12, 1772 ; 
married Iluldah Jenkins, Nov. 21, 1795. They had seven chil- 
dren. Merritt, born Nov. 21, 1796 ; died Dec. 1, 1819. Polly, 
born April IG, 1798 ; married Capt. Ziba Keith, and removed 
to Campello ; they had three children. Daniel, born August 

17, 1800. Isaiah, born October 30, 1801. Mehitable, born 
September 17, 1803; married Sherebiah Corthell, vSeptember 
15, 1825; they had three children; she died April 7, 1840. 
Ira, born December 15, 1805. Huldah J., born July 15, 
1807 ; married Asa B. Jones, and removed to North Bridge- 
water ; they had two children. Daniel married for his second 
Avife Hannah Shaw, January 9, 18 IG ; they had four children. 
Spencer W., born September 2, 1817 ; married Mary Packard, 
November 2G, 1840; they have had seven children; they are 
now living in Iowa. John N., born March 20, 1820. Merritt, 
born March 10, 1822; died 1823. Gilbert, born October, 
1S2G ; died June, 1827. He, Daniel, died July 9, 1829. 

Of these children, those now living in town are Daniel, 
Isaiah and John N. ; and their families are as follows : — 

Daniel married Hannah Nash, September 19, 1822 ; they 
had two children. Daniel L., born January 22, 1824. 
Henry, born October 4, 1838. Daniel L. married Julia 
M. Taber, August 2, 1846 ; they have two children ; they are 
now living in Brooklyn, N. Y. Henry married Mary E. 
Faxon, May 1, 1860 ; they have two children. Walter II., 
born October 12, 1861. Bernice J., born February 23, 
1863. 

Isaiah married Betsey Bosworth, October 28, 1823 ; they 
had seven children. Elizabeth M., born August 26, 1824; 
died July 7, 1843, leaving one child. Auice, born October 

18, 1844. Susan P., bora March 3, 1826; married Daniel 
Thompson; she died January 1, 1852; they had one child, 
who died in infancy. Isaiah, born October 20, 1828 ; died 

36* 



426 APPENDIX. 

January 1, 1850. Almira C, born October 7, 1832 ; married 
Verres G. Thompson, November 29, 1850 ; she died October 
14, 1855. Lucy M., born October 15, 1834 ; married Francis 
G. Thompson, July 16, 1860. Mary, born July 27, 1838 ; 
married George Ripley, January 2, 1859 ; she died Juue 17, 
1864. Ellen, born September 27, 1840 ; married Lucien W. 
Farrar, August 28, 1859 ; they had two children. 

Ira married Lucy G. Canterbury, July 25, 1824 ; they had 
four children. Josiah H., born January 29, 1825 ; died De- 
cember 31, 1825. Josiah II., born March 13, 1826. Silas 
C, born July 15, 1828. Ira D., born September 5, 1833. 

Josiah H., married Nancy A. Damon, March 26, 1846; 
they have two children. Josiah P., born November 2, 1847 ; 
Ira D., born October 26, 1855. 

Silas C. married Sarah J. Richmond, June 24, 1855 ; they 
had two children. Lucy G., born December 2, 1855 ; Mary 
L., born August 31, 1857. 

Ira D. married Mary F. Thomas, January 31, 1856 ; they 
had two children. Nellie D., born January 16, 1858 ; Silas 
C, born February 10, 1864. 

John N. married Betsey Bicknell, September 7, 1841 ; they 
have four children. Merritt, born August 15, 1842 ; Alfi-ed, 
born March 2, 1845; died April 23, 1865. Ellis B., born 
August 12, 1848 ; Abby E., born August 3, 1852. 



!> A Y N. 

Zebulon Payn was born in Abington, December 17, 1741. 
He had three children by his first wife. Their names were 
Zebulon, Deborah and Rebekah. 

Zebulou, jr., was the first man in Abington who made a 
business of having boots and shoes made. 

Zebulon, sen., married a second wife, who was born Sep- 
tember 21, 1742. She had one son named Stephen, born 
April 6, 1781. He was the first man who invented a machine 



APPENDIX. 427 

to split leather in this country, which was patented in 180G. 
He was married to Elizabeth Smith, August 1, 1805. They 
had four children — Stephen, jr., born February 9, 1806; 
Elizabeth S., born April 29, 1814; Ezekiel, born November 
20, 1816; Josiah, born August 19, 1820. 

Stephen married Deborah Gurney, October 18, 1829 : had 
two children — Benjamin Franklin, born March 2, 1833, and 
Elbridge, born December 23, 1834. The latter married Maria 
J. Plolbrook, April 10, 1857, and has one son — Henry S., — 
born January 7, 1859. 



I> O O L. 

1 . Edward Pool lived in Weymouth. His will was dated 
September 22, 1664, and proved October 26, of the same 
year. In this will he names his children in the following 
order : — Samuel, Isaac, Joseph, Benjamin, John, Sarah and 
Jacob. 

2. Joseph Pool, third son of the above, lived in Weymouth 
about the year 1700. He had four daughters and three sons — 
Joseph, Isaac and Samuel. Joseph lived in Abington Centre. 
Isaac lived and died in South Bridgewater, 1759. 

3. Samuel Pool, Esq., son of Joseph, married Sarah 
Nash and removed to South Abington. He had four chil- 
dren — Elizabeth, born 1711; Samuel, born 1713; Joseph, 
born 1710 ; Sarah, born 1718, He settled in South Abin"-- 
ton in 1711, served six years as one of the selectmen, was 
chosen a representative to General Court in 1735, being the 
first one elected to that office by the town, and died in 1785, 
aged 95. His daughter Elizabeth married John Noyes in 
1723 ; Sarah married Jacob Ford in 1733. Joseph, second 
son, was drowned when young, leaving two daughters, but no 
male posterity. 

4. Deacon Samuel Pool, eldest son of Samuel Pool, mar- 
ried Rebecca Shaw, 1733 ; served as one of the selectmen for 
several years ; was twice elected representative to General 



428 APPENDIX. 

Court, after which he removed to Plainfield, where he died. 
Children — Joshua, born 1731 ; Samuel, bora 1736 ; Joseph, 
born 1739; Jacob, born 1740; Rebecca, born 1743; Asa, 
bora 1745 ; Aoliish, born 1746 ; Oliver, born 1748 ; Abijah, 
born 1753 ; Jeptha, born 1750 ; aud four others who died ia 
infancy or childhood. Joshua, the eldest, was twice married, 
aod had a large family of children. His wives were Mary 
Burrell and Mary Reed. He lived where Samuel Dyer now 
lives ; died in East Bridgewater, aged 88. Samuel, second 
son, married Ruth Fullerton, lived in East Bridgewater, 
afterwards in Easton, where he died, aged 94. Joseph, third 
son, married Mary Pillsbury, lived on what is now High 
Street, and afterwards removed to Plainfield. He left a son and 
two daughters. Rebecca married Gideoa Randall, of Hano- 
ver, and removed to Plainfield, and afterwards to Bennington, 
Vt. Achish married and removed to Plainfield, and was 
living in N. Y. at the age of 100 years. Abijah and Oliver 
each married and removed to Plainfield. Jeptha married and 
went to Goshen, Mass. Asa was a soldier in the Old French 
War, and died at Halifax, N. S., aged 18. 

5. Deacon Jacob Pool, fourth son of Deacon Samuel 
Pool, married Rachel Beal, aud built a house in South Abiug- 
ton in 1766, now occupied by the widow of Hector Foster. 
Was a soldier in the Old French War ; was at the taking of 
Louisburg in 1758 ; was a captain in the Revolutionary War ; 
was one of the selectmen for ten years, and died at the resi- 
dence of Walter S. Harding, in 1834, aged 94. Children — 
James, born 1764; Jacob, born 1767; Alethea, Hanuah, 
and Nabby, born 1777 ; Noah, born 1785. Jacob married 
Zeruah Whitmarsh, and moved to Bennington, Vt., where he 
died in April, 1864, aged 97. Alethea married Seth Har- 
den. Hannah married Thomas Pratt, and moved to Plain- 
field. Nabby married Zaccheus Gardner, and died in Easton, 
aged 87. 

6. James Pool, eldest son of Deacon James Pool, married 
Eunice Lazell, of East Bridgewater, and died in the U. S.'A., 
in 1814. Children — Sylvanus, born 1786 ; James, born 



APPENDIX. 429 

178S ; Hiram, born 1790; Jacob, born 1797. Sylvanus 
married two sisters named Gates, of Stowe, Mass., and died 
aged 78. James married a Benson, and died leaving two 
daughters ; Adeline, Avho married Charles II. Drake, of 
Stoiighton, and Emily, who married Melvin Reed. Hiram, 
third son, was in the U. S. A., and was killed by a shell at 
Sackctt's Harbor, in 1815. Jacob, fourth son, married Mary 
Hayden, of Braintree. Children — James M. (the writer of 
this sketch), and Luther L. 

7. Noah, fifth son, was twice married ; first to Polly 
White, second to widow Sally Crane. Children, Noah, bora 

; Polly, born 18 10 ; Lurana, born ; Rosina, born 

1820; Spencer, born 1821; Hiram, born 1823; Almira, 
born 1825; Sally, born 1823; AVilliara D., born 1832. 
Noah, first son, married, and lives at Nantucket. Polly mar- 
ried Eliab M. Noyes. Lurana married Ezra Whitmarsh, of 
East Bridgewater, and died some years ago. Rosina married 
Davis II. Cook. Spencer married Ruth Dyer, and lives in 
San Francisco, Cal. Hiram mai'ried Lydia K. Lewis (a 
descendant of Peregrine White). Almira married David B. 
Bates. Sally married Henry Gurney, of East Bridgewater. 
William D. married Sarah Lewis (a descendant of Peregrine 
White). There are now living in South Abington five adult 
male descendants of Samuel Pool, Esq., and through him of 
Edward Pool, of Weymouth, Avho was undoubtedly tlie first 
of the name in that town, and probably came from England 
about 1635. The names of these five are — Jacob, Hiram, 
William D., James M., and Luther L. Pool. 

John Pool, son of John, and brother of Thomas, Micah 
and Joseph, was born in Weymouth in 1743. He married 
Sarah Clark, of Braintree, in 1769 or 1770, and the same 
year came to Abington and bought a farm near the present 
Congregational Church, and built a house on what is now 
called Liberty Street. The house is still standing. 

They had children — Sarah, born January 23, 1771 ; she 
married Nathaniel Howe, of Abington ; Micah, born April 
3, 1772 ; he married Nabby Holbrook, of Weymouth ; John, 



430 APPENDIX. 

born June 17, 1776, and died in 1781 ; David, born May 7, 
1779, married Abigail Studley, of Hanover ; Elias, born 
January 23, 1781 ; he married Ruth Clark, of Braintree ; 
Betsey, born December — , 1782 ; she married Charles AVhit- 
ing, of Hanover ; John and Clarissa, twins, born May 20, 
1788 ; John married Lydia Nash, of Abington, and Clarissa 
married William Ripley, of Abington. Only the two last are 
living. 

The following are the names of the grandchildren of John 
and Sarah Pool : — 

Sarah Howe, daughter of Nathaniel and Sarah Howe. 

The children of Micah and Nabby Pool are — Edwin (de- 
ceased), Alfred (deceased), Angelina, Leudo, Mary II., 
Micah II., Sally, Franklin, Samuel C. (deceased), Cyrus, 
Nathaniel and Betsey. 

The children of David and Abigail Pool are — GranviUe C. 
(deceased), Waldo, Louisa, David S., Elias, John C, Abigail 
S., Rebecca T., and Chai'les A. (deceased.) 

The children of Elias and Ruth Pool are — Mary A., and 
Ruth. 

The children of Charles and Betsey Whiting are — Albert 
(deceased), Emily, Nathaniel 11., William, and Betsey. 

The children of John and Lydia Pool are — Nathaniel (de- 
ceased), Albert (deceased), John, Joseph (deceased), Mary 
A. (deceased), Albert (deceased), Lysander and William W. 

The children of William and Clarissa Ripley are — William, 
Henry, Lucy A. and Clarissa. 



I> K. ^ T U? . 

Grandparents of William last named, on the father's side. 
William Pratt, born 1703 ; Jane Torrey, born 1711 ; had 
nine children — Jonathan, born 1735; Jane, born 1737; 
William, born 1739 ; Sarah, born 1741 ; Mary, born 1743 ; 
Elizabeth, born 1745 ; Huldah, born 1749 ; Matilda, bora 
1752 ; Philip, born 1755. 



APPENDIX. 431 

Grandparents of William last named.) on the mother's side. 

Daniel Shaw, born 1739 ; Rebekah Beals, born 1737 ; had 
nine children — Rebekah Shaw, born 1761; Lydia, born 17G3 ; 
Daniel, born 17G6 ; Noah, born 17G8 ; Mehitabel, bora 
1771 ; Sarah, born 1773; Jacob, born 1775; Jonn, born 
1777 ; Polly, born 1780. 

Parents. 
Philip Pratt, born August 30, 1755 ; Rebekah Shaw, born 
March 2G, 1761 ; had 9 children — Rebecca Pratt, born Oct. 
2, 1786; Susanna, born 1783; Huldah, born 1790; Jane, 
born 1792; Mary, born 179-i; Daniel, born 1796; Sarah, 
born 1799 ; Philip, born 1801 ; AVilliam, born 1801. 



K E E r> . 

Nearly all the Reeds, of Abington, are descended from 
AYiLLiAM Reade, of Weymouth, who was born in England in 
1GU5, and sailed from Gravesend, in the County of Kent, in 
163"), and settled in Weymouth, where he was made freeman 
in the same year. Mr. Reade was among the early settlers of 
Weymouth, — it having been made a plantation. May 8, 1635. 
He was representative from Weymouth in 1636 and 1638. 
His wife's name was Ivis. Their children were — William, 
born October 15, 1639 ; Esther, born May 8, 1641 ; Thomas ; 
John, born 1649, and Mary and Margaret. 

From this family have sprung nearly all the different families 
of this name in Weymouth, Abington, the Bridgewaters, and 
those of Bristol County. The present Attorney-General of the 
Commonwealth, Chester I. Reed, of Taunton, is a descendant 
from the John above named, born in 1649. 

The Reed's of the easterly and southerly parts of the town 
are, most of them, descended from Thomas Reed, son of 
William 1st, of Weymouth. His wife's name was Sarah. 
Children — Thomas, born September 12, 1671 ; William, born 



432 APPENDIX. 

February 4, 1687 ; John, born December 00, 1679 ; Mary L. ; 
Ruth "White, born February 20, 16S4; Hannah Hart, born 
September 25, 1689 ; Sarah S. ; Samuel, born April 12, 1G81. 
He married Mary for his second wife ; she died August 21, 
1719. He held offices, civil and military, in his day. He 
died November 14, 1719. 

Thomas, son of Thomas and Sarah, and grandson of 
William 1st, of Weymouth, born September 12, 1677 ; mar- 
ried Hannah Randall, January 14, 1701, and lived in Abing- 
ton. Children — Thomas, born October 18, 1701 ; Daniel, 
born September 10, 1704; Hannah, born March 14, 1703; 
Sarah, born August 1, 1715. He died October 2, 1719. 

Daniel, son of Thomas aad Hannah, of Abiugton, born 
September 10, 1704; married Ruth Torrey, February 22, 
1728. Children— Daniel, born November 10, 1729 ; Thomas, 
born April 17, 1732 ; Ruth, born April 3, 1735. He lived 
on the place novp occupied by Ezekiel Reed, near the Centre 
Depot. 

Thomas, son of Daniel and Ruth, born April 17, 1732; 
married Widow Mary White, July 10, 17S5. Her maiden 
name was Hobart. She was sister to the father of the present 
Benjamin Hobart, Esq., of South Abington. This Thomas 
was the grandfather of many persons now living. Among 
them may be mentioned Samuel, Goddard, Albert, Amos, 
Theodore, Horace and William L. Reed, all of Abiugton, and 
many others, descendants of his daughters, and therefore not 
bearing the name. He married, for second wife, Sarah 
Pulling, widow of John Pulling, of Boston, whose maiden 
name was Thaxter, sister of Dr. Gridley Thaxter, of Abington. 
He was a man of large frame, more than six feet in height, 
of great physical endurance and energy of character. He was 
possessed of large landed estates, and was one of the most 
wealthy men of the time. He lived on the place now occupied 
by Jesse Reed, on Plymouth Street. His children were — 
Mary, born June 7, 1758, who married Simeon Gannett, of 
East Bridgewater, in 1775 ; Hannah, born October 24, 1759, 
married Daniel Bicknell, October 25, 1780, and removed to 



4, 




APPENDIX. 433 

the State of Maine ; Thomas, born December 12, 1761, who 
married Joanna Shaw, January 24, 1783, and lived on the 
place now occupied by Theodore Reed, and was commonly 
called Capt. Eeed ; Samuel, born March 11, 17G6 ; Huldah, 
born April 27, 1768, who married Dr. Richard Briggs, August 
12, 1784, and removed to Worthington in this State; Isaac, 
commonly called Deacon Isaac. 

Thomas Reed, son of Thomas and Mary, above, born 

December 12, 1761 ; married Joanna Shaw, January 24, 1783. 

Children — Elizabeth, Thomas, Goddard, Joanna, Ebenezer, 

Simeon Gannet, Albert, Amos S., Adaline, Martha, Clarissa, 

Theodore, all of whom lived to be married. 

Thomas, son of Thomas and Joanna, married Lydia 
Jenkins. 

Children — Thomas, Lydia J. and Henry Watson. 
Goddard, son of Thomas and Joanna, born May 22, 1788 ; 
married Marcia Reed, November 13, 1814; died August 29, 
1865. 

Children — Hannah, born February 18, 1816; died young. 
Diana, born February 27, 1817; married Isaac Keen, June 
14, 1835; died January 21, 1838. Washington, born July 
6, 1820 ; married Harriet Corthell, June 2, 1839. 

Children — Henry Harrison, born August 12, 1840 ; Joanna, 
born May 7, 1846 ; Charles Goddard, born April 28, 1852 ; 
Marcia, born November 26, 1853. 

Charles Goddard, son of Goddard and Marcia, born January 
18, 1823 ; died September 22, 1823. 

Marcia, daughter of Goddard and Marcia, born July 22, 
1828 ; died September 4, 1848. 

Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas and Joanna, born March 12, 
1 784 ; married John Lane. 

Joanna, daughter of Thomas and Joanna, born December 3, 
1795 ; married Samuel Wales. 

Ebenezer, son of Thomas and Joanna, born July 4, 1 790 ; 
died July, 1864 ; married Lucy Jenkins, November 30, 1815. 
Children — Cleora, Lorenzo, Egbert and Lucy. 
37 



434 APPENDIX. 

Simeon Gannett, son of Thomas and Joanna, born Septem- 
ber 29, 1793; married Rachael Burgess, October 11, 1829; 
died 1830. 

Child — Simeon Gannett, who h'ves in Oregon. 

Albert, son of Thomas and Joanna, born 1802 ; married 
Maria Colburn. 

Child — Samuel C, who lives in New York. 

Amos S., son of Thomas and Joanna, born May 22, 1804 ; 
married Huldah B. Loud, November 9, 1826. 
1 Children — Sarah Ann and Amos Newton. Married, for 
second wife, Rachael B. Reed, widow of Simeon G. Reed. 

Children — Edward Payson, Elizabeth Waldo, and Miranda. 

Amos Newton, son of Amos S. and Huldah B., married 
Sarah Boynton. 

Child— Harry D., born May 22, 1854. 

Adaline, daughter of Thomas and Joanna, born April 22, 
1806 ; married Brackley Shaw. 

Martha, daughter of Thomas and Joanna, married Michael 
Sylvester, of Hanover, Mass. 

Clarissa, daughter of Thomas and Joanna, married David 
Hunt. 

Theodore, son of Thomas and Joanna, married Clarissa 
Jenkins, December 26, 1830. Children — Martha and Theo- 
dore W. Married, for second wife, Abigail Wilder, of Hing- 
ham, December 31, 1840. Children — Abigail and Frances. 
Married, for thii'd wife, Lydia Gurney, widow of Melvia 
Gurney. Children — Lydia, Maria, Thomas and Henry. 

Samuel, son of Thomas and Mary, born March 11, 1766, 
married Mary Pool, August 28, 1787. He lived in the house 
now occupied by his son Samuel in East Abington, near the 
pond known as Reed's Pond. He was a man of energy and 
great physical power. He was lieutenant of the military 
company of Avhich his brother Thomas was captain, and his 
brother Isaac was ensign. He owned most of the land now 
in possession of his sons Samuel and Abiah. He died com- 
paratively young, at the age of thirty-nine, in 1805. His wife 
died in September, 1839. His children were — Mary, born 



ArpENDix. 435 

March 3, 1789, married Peter Ford, and lived in Windsor, 
Mass. ; died September 21, 1864 ; Samuel, born December 18, 
1790; Abiah, born May 19, 1793, and now lives near the 
saw-mill ; Hannah, born March 24, 1795, who was blind, and 
died young ; JNIarcia, born January 19, 1798, married Goddard 
Reed, and now lives near the meeting-house in East Abington ; 
Joseph, born October 28, 1799, who now lives near his brother 
Abiah; Ruth, born July 16, 1801, died young; Charles, born 
November 2, 1802, who moved to Ohio, where he still resides ; 
Elias, born 1804, who died young. 

Samuel, the son of Samuel and Mary, born December 18, 
1790, is still living on the old homestead, near the pond in 
East Abington, He is too well known to the citizens of the 
town to require any special notice here. He has always lived 
in the house where he was born. Being the oldest son of the 
family, the care of the farm devolved upon him on the death 
of his father. He married Polly Corthell, April 21, 1810. 
His children are — Samuel, born May 26, 1811 ; Mary, born 
January 16, 1813; Levi, born December 31, 1814; Dexter, 
born November 10, 1816 ; Mehitable, born September 14, 
1818 ; Mehitable, born March 31, 1822. His wife died June 
10, 1832. He married, for second wife, Serlssa Litchfield 
Bailey, widow of Rowland Bailey, of Scituate, September 5, 
1833. Children — Serissa, born June 27, 1834 ; Rowland, 
born October 13, 1836 ; Martha, born November 13, 1838 ; 
Sophia, born October 3, 1840 ; Anna, born November 13, 
1844. 

Samuel, son of the preceding Samuel, has always lived in 
East Abington, where he is now engaged in manufacturing 
boots and shoes. He married Eliza Wilkes, January 17, 
1833, who died July 8, 1862. He married, for second wife, 
Betsey B. Gardner, December 13, 1863 ; Mary married John 
Burrill, April 20, 1837, and has always lived in East Abing- 
ton. She was for many years a teacher in our public schools, 
Avith good success. She has two children, one son and one 
daughter. 

Levi Avas educated at Phillips' Academy, Andover. He 



436 APPENDIX. 

married Louisa C. Drake, April 20, 1837. He spent twenty 
years in teaching in the public schools of the State, thi'ee of 
them in Dedham, and the last thirteen of them in the Wash- 
ington School, Roxbury. He has since returned to Abington, 
and was State Senator in 18G0, and has been Auditor of the 
Commonwealth from January, 1861, to the present time. He 
has four children, two sous and two daughters — Louise Maria, 
born January 10, 1838 ; Samuel Bryant, born September 10, 
1841 ; Mary Emily, born July 27, 1850 ; Alfred Levi, born 
October 9, 1855. 

Dexter has always lived in East Abington, except a few 
years which he spent in California. He married Catherine 
Stetson. He has five children, three sons and two daughters — 
Frederick, born February 11, 1841 ; Lewis, born October 26, 
1843 ; Edith Catherine, born September 3, 1845 ; Mary Alice, 
born December 21, 1846 ; Abraham Lincoln, born March 4, 
1861. 

Mehitable (the first) died when an infant. Mehitable (the 
second) has always lived in East Abington, and married 
George Lewis. She has five children, all sons. 

Serissa, Martha, Sophia and Anna, all reside with their 
father. Rowland died young. 

Isaac, son of Thomas and Mary, boi'n August 4, 1770; 
married, first, Sarah Pulling, daughter of his father's second 
wife. May 5, 1793. Children — John Pulling, born September 
15, 1795. Sarah, born September 19, 1797; married Charles 
Lane. Lucy Johnson, born May 29, 1800 ; married Jesse 
Reed. Martha Pulling, born March 16, 1802 ; married Seth 
Pratt. Mary Hobart, born April 1, 1804; married Green- 
wood Gushing. Isaac, born Januaiy 21, 1806. Betsey Gan- 
nett, born August 25, 1807 ; married Merritt Jenkins. Rutli 
Torrey, born July 31, 1809; married John AVoodbridge 
Jenkins. Annis Jenks, born December 13, 1811; died De- 
cember, 1817. Married, for second wife, Nancy Lincoln, 
February 3, 1819. Children — Horace, born November 26, 
1820. William Lincoln, born October 5, 1825. Annis, born 
September 3, 1828 ; married Charles H. Cooke. 



APPENDIX. 437 

Isaac, son of Isaac and Sarah, married Rachel Reed ; mar- 
ried, for second wife, Eliza F. Shaw, December 17, 1829. 
Children — Isaac Thaxter, boi-n March 14, 1834 ; Eliza Shaw, 
born April 4, 183G ; Sarah E., born September 15, 1838; 
Ellen M., born December 2, 1840 ; Henry Wallace, born Jan- 
uary 13, 1843; Rachel J., born March 13, 1845; Hannah, 
born September 12, 1848 ; Mary F., born October 17, 1850. 

Horace married Lurana II. Bates, September 21, 1840. 
Children — Helen Augusta, born August 19, 1842; Emma 
Lurana, born December 28, 1845 ; Horace Richmond, born 
August 12, 1852 ; Arthur Ellsworth, born April 8, 1861. 

William L. married Deborah W. Chessman, June 6, 1847. 
Children — William Bradford, born February 24, 1852 ; died 
January 4, 1858. Anna Gertrude, born August 24, 1855; 
Sarah Chessman, born July 30, 1857 ; Walter Lincoln, bora 
November 5, 1859. 

Isaac Thaxter, son of Isaac and Eliza, mari'ied Lurana 
Jones. Child — Bradford Thaxter, born April 10, 18G1. 

William, son of AYilliam and Ivis above, born October 16, 
1639; married Esther Thompson, of Middleborough ; had 
three sons — 

AVilliam, born May 24, 1682 ; settled in South Abington in 
1708. At the first town meeting, held March 2, 1713, he 
was chosen clerk, and also one of the Selectmen, which office 
he held ten years, and that of clerk six years. His place was 
where Ephraim S. Jenkins now lives. Ten of his descend- 
ants, at his death, had been liberally educated. He went by 
the appellation of " Captain Reed." Among his descendants 
are many who have distinguished themselves in public life. 
One of them, Hon. John Reed, was for many years a member 
of Congress, and afterwards Lieutenant-Governor. John, 
born July 10, 1687; settled at South Abington in 1708. 
His place was opposite the burying-ground at South Abington. 
Jacob, born November 6, 1691 ; settled in South Abington in 
1708; was Tow-n Clerk for nineteen years, and one of the 
Selectmen for eight years. His place was where John W. 
Jenkins now lives, formerly Lieutenant Ephraim Whitman's. 
37* 



438 APPENDIX. 

He married Sarah Hersey, and had three sons and four 
daughters — 

Jacob, born Jidy 7, 1720; William, born September 20, 
1725; Elijah, born February 14, 1727. William married 
Silence Nash, and had eight children, three sons and five 
daughters — 

William, born June 8, 1755; graduated at Harvard Uni- 
versity in 1782. and settled at Eastou. James, born October 
6, 1764; Timothy, born May 29, 1767, and died in 1775; 
James married Ruth Porter, of East Bridgewater, and had 
eight children — 

Meliitable, born 1784; married Samuel Porter. Hannah, 
born 1786; married Jacob Fullarton. James, born 1788; 
married Mehitable Dyer; he died December, 1810. Jane, 
boru 1791 ; married Daniel Bates. Samuel P., born May 4, 
1793; died September 9, 1815. Timothy, born March 27, 
1796; died October 17, 1815. Marcus, born August 23, 
1798. Cyrus, born July 23, 1800 ; married Mary Noyes; he 
died October 2, 1850 ; had two children — 

Cyrus, born December 16, 1834 ; Samuel W., born Decem- 
ber 15, 1837. 

Marcus married Mehitable Jenkins ; has three children — 

Marcus, born November 29, 1823 ; Timothy, born Septem- 
ber 25, 1826 ; James, born February 26, 1831. Marcus 
married Jeanette L. Sproul ; has three children — 

Jeanette Augusta, born October 22, 1849 ; Susan Mehitable, 
bcru July 20, 1851 ; Marcus AVebster, born October 6, 1856. 

Timothy married Lydia Ann Bourne ; has two children — 

Eliza Anna, born September 25, 1855 ; Hattie Frances, born 
December 8, 1857. 

James married Peddy Howland ; has two children — 

James Lewis, born January 10, 1853 ; Alice Maria, born 
September 23, 1854. 



APPENDIX. 439 



STETSON". 

The ancestor of the Stetson family, in Abington, was 
Robert Stetson, called Cornet Robert, because he was Cornet 
of the first Horse Company of Plymouth Colony, Mass. He 
came from England, County of Kent, and settled in Scituate 
in 1634. He was born 1613 ; died 1703. He was a prominent 
man in the early settlement of the Colony ; was chosen a 
member of the Council of "War in 1661, and continued in it 
for twenty years; in 16G8, was commissioned to purchase of 
the Indian Sachem, Chickatabutt, a large tract of land, now 
comprised in the towns of Hanover and Abington, for the use 
of the Colony, and which was subsequently re-deeded to him, 
together with other large grants, which shows the extent of 
his possessions at that time. He died at the age of 90, leaving 
five sons — Joseph, Benjamin, Thomas, Samuel and Robert.* 
Robert, the youngest, and from whom I trace my descent, 
resided in Pembroke. 

His eldest son was named Isaac, who also lived and died in 
Pembroke. He had a number of sons and daughters, amongst 
whom was Peleg, who early removed to Abington. He raised 
quite a numerous family, the first of the Stetson Family in 
Abington of which I find any account, about 1738. 

Ephraim Stetson (my grandfather), the third son of Peleg, 
born in 1743, located in the east part of the town, near his 
father ; married Ruth Ford, of Abington, and pursued the 
cultivation of the soil for a living, and left a reputation for 
uprightness, honesty and piety, unsurpassed. He was deacon 
of the Tliird Congregational Church from its organization, until 
the infirmities of age induced him to resign the office. He 
lived to the great age of 96 years, in the enjoyment of almost 
uninterrupted good health, and with faculties unimpaired to 
the last, — his hopes of a happy immortality undimmed by a 
cloud. 

* This memorial was prepared by Martin S. Stetson, Esq. 



440 APPENDIX. 

His sons were Barnabas and Ephraim ; his daughters were 
Mary, Lydia and Ruth. 

Barnabas settled near his father ; married Lucy Barstow, 
daughter of Capt. Dauicl Barstow, of Hanover. His children 
were — Amos, Martin S., Barnabas, Lucy B., Julia A., and 
Lydia. His business was somewhat varied. He kept a store ; 
manufactured shoes; also bricks, quite extensively ; and carried 
on farming. He was associated with his brother Ephraim, in 
an extensive trade at Hanover Four-Corners, under the firm 
of B. & E. Stetson. He was an active, energetic business 
man through life ; honest himself, he placed too much confi- 
dence, perhaps, in the honesty of his fellew-men for his own 
pecuniary interest. He died 1849, aged 74 years. 

Martin S., now the only surviving son, commenced manu- 
facturing boots and shoes in 1835, in company with Samuel 
Blake, jr., who married his sister, Julia A., and continued 
business in the east part of the town until the year 1842, when 
his business was removed to Mobile, Ala. From that time to 
the commencement of the war in 1861, the amount of boots 
and shoes (Abington's staple products) sold there annually, 
under the firm of M. S. Stetson & Co., will average $250,000, 
or, in the aggregate, $4,750,000. In June, 1857, he located 
with his family in South Abiugton. His only son living, 
Amos Sumner, is the youngest and only male descendant in 
direct line. 

The direct line of descent of this branch of the Stetson 
Family, is this : — 

1. Robert, born 1653; 2. Isaac, born ; 3. Peleg, 

born 1714 ; 4. Ephraim, born 1743 ; 5. Barnabas, born 1775 ; 
6. Martin S., born 1809. 



APPENDIX. 441 



S T XJ r) L E Y. 

1. Nathan Studley, son of Eliab, of Hanover, married 
Hiildah Ellis, May 18, 1806, and settled in East Abington, 
where he died in 1849. 

Children — 1, William, born June 19, 180G ; 2. Andrew, 
born February 1, 1810; 3. Sophia, born April 12, 1808; 
married Jacob Nash, of Abington, April 12, 1829 ; he died 
February 25, 1851. 4. Reuben, born February 3, 1812; 
5. Alvin, born September 5, 1819 ; 6. Sylvia, boi-n September 
10, 1815; married Bela Smith, of Abington, July 16, 1835. 
7. Elizabeth, born June 26, 1817; married Stei:)hen Standish, 
of East Abington, July 30, 1843. 8. Huldah, born June 18, 
1822; married N. P. Baker, of East Abington, June 1, 
1S43. 

William, son of Nathan, married Elizabeth Haskell, of 
Ipswich, June 10, 1832, who died April 6, 1853. Their chil- 
dren were — 

1. William A., born January 5, 1833 (a soldier for three 
years in the 12th Massachusetts Regiment, and re-enlisted in 
Heavy Artillery, 1864, now in service) ; married H. Augusta 
HoUora, of Maine, May 31, 1856. Their children were — 
William H., born April 4, 1857 ; Everett N., born March 3, 
1860, and Frederick B., born March 21, 1861. 

2. Mary E., born May 1, 1834; married Davis Gushing, 
of East Abington, May 19, 1853. 

3. Hannah M., born June 21, 1836 ; died August 9, 1864. 

4. Nathan F., born August 6, 1838 (a soldier in Heavy 
Artillery, now in the service) ; married Emily Litchfield, of 
Hanover, August 5, 1860, and has Elva S., born March 30, 
1863. 

5. John A., born July 6, 1845 (a soldier for three years 
in 1st Massachusetts Cavalry, re-enlisted in 1864, and now in 
service) ; married Lucy M. Whiting, of East Abington, Janu- 
ary 8, 1861, and has Louis A., born June 3, 1861 ; died 
August 3, 1863. 

6. Ada A., born May 13, 1843. 



442 APPENDIX. 

7. Jacob N., born July 6, 1845. 

8. Lucius A., born December 17, 1847; died February 5, 
1848. 

9. Charles E., born April 23, 1852. 

Andrew, son of Nathan, married Mary Jenkins, of Abing- 
ton, February 10, 1831, and lives in East Abington. Their 
children were — 

1. Mary A., born April 8, 1831 ; married John F. Keene, 
November 23, 1853. 

2. Austin, born April 30, 1833 ; married Lydia "W. Shaw, 
of East Abington, November 21, 1858, and has Frederick 
Austin, born November 30, 1860. 

3. Jane B,, born November 22. 1834 ; married E. Wilson 
Whiting, of East Abington, November 25, 1854. 

4. Andrew H., born April 15, 183G ; married Betsey Hol- 
brook, of East Abington, October 17, 1857. 

5. Iluldah E., born April 19, 1838 ; married Walter S. 
Davis, November 5, 18G2. 

6. Sarah E., born October 14, 1840. 

7. and 8. Ferdinand and Isabella, born November 10, 1846; 
died September 7, and June 25, 1847. 

9. Elvira, born August 14, 1848. 

Reuben, son of Nathan, married Adaline Burgess, of 
Harvard, Mass., November 28, 1834, and lives in East 
Abington. Their children were — 

1. Reuben W., born September 15, 1836 ; married Nancy 
M. Hammond, of Abington, July 3, 1855. 

2. George S., born December 26, 1838. 

3. Henry J., born October 18, 1841 ; died September 18, 
1843. 

4. Horace W., born April 13, 1844. 

5. Charles H., born April 10, 1846 ; died November 18, 
1849. 

6. Susan E., born October 18, 1848. 

7. Emily M., born February 23, 1851. 

8. Charles N., born December 8, 1854. 

9. John F., born November 3, 1856. 



APPENDIX. 443 

Alvin, son of Nathan, married Mercy B. Estes, of Hanson, 
and lives in Natick, Mass. Their children were — 

1. Clara L., born May 25, 1844. 

2. Alvin B., born April 3, 1846 (a soldier in the 3d 
Massachusetts Cavalry); died in hospital, in Maryland, Janu- 
ary 26, 1865. 

3. Carrie C, born May 15, 1853. 

Gridley, son of Gridley, of Hanover, born March 19, 1829 ; 
married Lucy S.Litchfield, of Hanover, January 1, 1855; 
lives in East Abiugton, and has Chester "W., born June 16, 
1857. 

"Walter B., son of David, of Hanover, born January 10, 
1827; married Susan Turner, of Pembroke, November 28,. 
1848 ; lives in East Al)ington, and has Susan L. B., born 
October 13, 1849, and Ada F., born January 29, 1851. 

Ezekiel R., son of David, of Hanover, born November 30, 
1831 ; married E. Augusta Studley, of Hanover, November 
20, 1855 ; lives in East Abington, and has Orville F., born 
May 12, 1856, and Hermon L., born July 24, 1858. 

Gideon, son of Gideon, of Hanover, born October 19, 1811 ; 
married Priscilla B. Shaw, of East Abington, March 31, 
1841, and lives in East Abington. Their children were — 

1. Herbert, died young. 

2. James B., born October 28, 1843 (a soldier in the 43d 
Massachusetts Regiment, re-enlisted in Heavy Artillery, and 
now in service). 

3. Sarah A., born March 11, 1845. 

4. Anna H., born November 22, 1846. 

5. Alice, born June 13, 1849. 

6. Gideon, born June 12, 1851. 

7. Joshua F., born October 1, 1854. 



444 APPENDIX. 

T H ^ X T E E.. 

The name of Thomas Thaxtek first appears in the Pro- 
prietors Records of Ilingliam in the year 1638. In that year 
a grant of five acres of land was made to him. 

The children of Thomas and Elizabeth, his wife, were — 

Thomas, John, Elizabeth, Sarah and Samuel. 

Capt. John, son of Thomas and Elizabeth, married Elizabeth 
Jacobs, daughter of Nicholas Jacobs, one of the first settlers 
of Hingham. Their children Avere — 

John, Thomas, Joseph, Samuel (died young), Elizabeth, 
Benjamin, Samuel, Mary, Deborah, Sarah, Daniel and Jona- 
than. 

Col. Samuel, son of Capt. John and Elizabetli, w^as a colonel 
of a regiment, and a member of his Majesty's Counsel. He 
was one of the Commissioners who settled the boundary line 
between Rhode Island and Massachusetts in 1719. The chil- 
dren of Col. Samuel and Hannah Gridley were — 

Elizabeth, John and Samuel. 

Samuel, son of Col. Samuel and Hannah Gridley, graduated 
at Cambridge University in 1714 ; he married Sarah Marshall, 
daughter of John Marshall, of Boston. The children of Samuel 
and Sarah were — 

Samuel, Thomas and Sarah. 

Major Samuel, son of Samuel and Sarah, graduated at 
CaiT.bridge University in 1743, and was an officer in the 
French War, and one of the very few who escaped the 
massacre at the surrender of Fort William Henry at Lake 
George. He died at East Bridgewater. He married Abigail 
Smith. Their children were — 

Samuel, Sarah, Thomas, Henry (died young), Mary, Henry, 
Gridley, Ezekiel, Marshall, William and Abigail. 

Dr. Gridley,* son of Major Samuel and Abigail, was born 
in Hingham, April 9, 1756; married Sarah, daughter of 
Major-General Benjamin Lincoln; she died November 24, 
1810. Their children were — 

* See Chapter XV. — Physicians. 



APPENDIX. 445 

Gridley, born September 18, 1783. Bela, bora June 10, 
1785; died December 11, 1810. Ezekiel, born July 22, 
1787; died October 11, 185G. Mary, born May 23, 1790; 
married Dr. Gad Ilitcbcock, of Yarmouth, Me. Sarah, boru 
December 13, 1792; married Capt. Micah Nash. Deborah, 
born March 20, 1795; died February 28, 1842. Benjamin, 
born July 16, 1797; died March 8, 1831. Abigail, born 
May 11, 1800; married Josiah Viuing ; died January 31, 
1847. Elizabeth, born May 31, 1803 ; married Major Joseph 
Hunt. 

He then married Mary Shattuck ; she died February 11, 
1825. He then married Sarah Ames ; she died January 26, 
1829. They had one child- 
Sarah Ames, born January 14, 1829 ; married Henry M. 
Whitmarsh. 

Gridley, son of Dr. Gridley and Sarah, married Susanna 
Brown", daughter of Samuel Brown and Susanna Dyer ; she 
died February 22, 1826. Their children were — 

Susan, born June 26, 1816 ; died March 27, 1865. Dianthe, 
born February 9, 1819 ; died June 6, 1840. Almira, born 
July 17, 1821. Mary, born September 1, 1823; married 
Warren Frost, of Cambridge; died September 21, 1853. 

Dr. Ezekiel, son of Dr. Gridley and Sarah, married Di- 
anthe Brown, daughter of Samuel Brown and Susanna Dyer ; 
she died October 31, 1850. Their children were — 

Maria, born December 14, 1819 ; married Zichri N. Whit- 
marsh. Bela, born August 20, 1822. Samuel, born April 
4, 1826. Sarah, born July 2, 1830; died February 23, 
1860. 

Samuel B., son of Ezekiel and Dianthe, born April 4, 
1826 ; married Harriette Plosmer Burgess, who died April 16, 
1851, and then married Emma E. Hunt. Their children 
were — 

Harriette, born March 14, 1851 ; died August 23, 1851. 
Emma, born April 4, 1863. 
38 



446 APPENDIX. 

O? O R R K Y. 

Captain "William Torret, of Combe, St. Nicholas, County 
of Somerset, Eng., embarked for New England in 1640, with 
his son Samuel, and brother Lieut. James ; and Phillip, 
probably a near relative. He settled in North Weymouth 
(in the part now known as " Old Spain"). Lieut. James 
settled in Scituate. He married his second wife after settling 
in Weymouth ; was chosen representative in 1642, and many 
times after until 1679 ; he was chosen again in 1683, and 
again, after the overthrow of Andros, in 1690. He was 
early lieutenant, and, later, captain ; was Clerk of the Court 
for about thirty years. His son, Samuel, graduated at Har- 
vard College, and was one of the most noted divines of 
those days ; he preached three General Election Sermons in 
Boston, May 27, 1674, May 16, 1683, and May 29, 1695, for 
which the Legislature passed resolves, thanking him for the 
same, and also voted to have them printed. He died April 
23, 1707, leaving no offspring. 

William had, by his second wife, according to his will of 
May 15, 1686, — 1. William; 2. Micajah ; 3. Josiah ; and 
4. Angel. 

2. William, son of William 1., had children — 1. Phillip 
boi-n 1681 ; 2. Josiah, born 1686. 

3. PhilHp, son of WiUiam 2., had children — 1. Phillip, 
born 1713; 2. Josiah, born 1720, who moved to Abiugton, 
'and settled in the west part of the town ; and 3. William, 
born 1728. 

4. William, son of Phillip 3., had children — 1. Josiah, born 
1754 ; moved to the south part of Abington ; married, and 
had a daughter. 2. William, born 1768. 

5. William, son of William 4., came to Abington about 

1791, and settled near where John F, Keen now lives ; he 
married Elizabeth, daughter of Capt. David Hersey, May 5, 

1792, and had children — 1. David, born December 7, 1792; 
2, Eliza, born 1794; died 1797. 3. William, born July 4, 
1797 ; 4. Josiah, born November 29, 1798 ; 5. Harvey, born 



APPENDIX. 447 

July 27, 1801 ; 6. Eliza, born 1803 ; married Judson Smith, 
and had children — 1. Eliza; 2. William J. ; and 3. Maria. 
7. Maria, born August, 1807 ; married Isaiah Jenkins, De- 
cember, 1838. 

6. David, son of William 5., married Mary, daughter of 
David Noyes ; and married, second, widow of Captain David 
Lane ; had children by first wife — 1. Mary N., born October, 
1823 ; married David Lane ; had children, and moved to New 
York State. 2. David, born February, 1826. 3. Hannah H., 
born February, 1829 ; moved to New York ; married, and has 
children. 4. Edw. P., born April, 1834. 5. Caroline, born 
October, 1835 ; married Henry Beal. 6. Levi, born April, 

1838 ; moved to New York, 

7. William, son of William 5., moved to Hingham ; married, 
and has children and grandchildren. 

8. Josiah, son of William 5., married Elizabeth, daughter 
of Robert Estes, of Hanover, January 5, 1830, and has chil- 
dren — 1. Mary L , born January 30, 1831 ; married Joseph 
J. Estes, March 27, 1851, and has children — 1. J. Irving, 
and 2. Chester L. 2. Lucius A., born October 28, 1833 ; 
died November 23, 1837. 3. Josiah A., born December 31, 
1835. 4. Beulah E., born July 20, 1837 ; married Samuel 
A. Walker, of Newton, November 24, 1858 ; has children — 
1. Clara W. : and 2. Alice T. 5. Ann E., born April 21, 

1839 ; married Charles II. Dill, jr.. May G, 1858 ; has one 
child — Annie. 6. Lucius A., born April 7, 1841; died 
August 31, 1843. 7. Sarah J., born March 22, 1843; mar- 
ried Henry S. Moulton, of Sanford, Me., October 12, 1861 ; 
has one child — Amy G. 8. Robert A., born January 14, 
1845 ; died May 31, 1848. 9. Clarissa, born August 19, 1846. 
10. William, born July 16, 1848. 11. Mehitable R., bora 
February 2, 1850. 12. Ella F., born October 10, 1852. 
13. Ruth, born March 28, 1854. 

9. Harvey, son of William 5., married Lydia, daughter of 
Charles Lane, December 14, 1826 ;-died March 9, 1855 ; has 
children — 1. James Harvey, born August 23, 1828. 2. Charles 
W., born June 2, 1830. 3. Lydia J., born July 24, 1832 ; 



448 APPENDIX. 

married Samuel P. Keen, of Sumner, Me., January 27, 1853. 
4. Miranda, born March 6, 1835. 5. David B., born June 
29, 1837. 6. John E., born September 16, 1839 ; died Decem- 
ber 8, 1844. 7. Ann M., born Februarys, 1843. 8. John 
E., born March 18, 1845. 

10. David, son of David 6., married Harriet, daughter of 
Jacob Lovell, December 1, 1850 ; has children — 1. Charles B. ; 
2. Frederick H. 

11. Edw. P., son of David 6., married Mary, daughter of 
Joshua Curtis, January 1, 1858 ; had one child, who died in 
infancy. 

12. Josiah A., son of Josiah 8., married Arabella, daugh- 
ter of George W. Grover, of Bethel, Me., August 12, 1858 ; 
has children — 1. J. Carleton ; 2. Arthur EUenwood. 

13. James H., son of Harvey 9., married Maria T., daugh- 
ter of Richard Holbi'ook, February 5, 1853; has children — 
1. Annis M. ; 2. Annie W. ; 3. Alfred ; 4. Samuel H. 

14. Charles W., son of Harvey 9., married Hannah, daugh- 
ter of Joseph B. Smith, January 2G, 1853 ; had one child — 
Nettie Judson. 

15. David B., son of Harvey 9., married Mary J., daughter 
of William Nelson, of Barnstable, April 24, 1858; has chil- 
dren — 1. Harvey ; 2. Lydia E. ; 3. Lottie E. 

IG. John E., son of Harvey 9., married Abbie C, daughter 
of Harrison Bonney, of Sumner, Me., November 24, 1864. 



"W -A- X. K E R. 

Rev. Horace Dean Walker is descended from " the 
Widow Walker," who, with her sons, James and Philip, 
came to AVeymouth about 1640. 

Her son. Deacon Philip W., removed to Rehoboth, and his 
earliest signature recorded is on a deed in 1653. 

His descendants, whose names are recorded in the " Walker 
Genealogy," numbered 3,661 in 1860. 

The line to the pastor of East Abington runs through Philip, 



APPENDIX. 449 

Ebenezer, Caleb, Comfort, Comfort Dean and H. D. Walker — 
making his cliiltlren, all born in Abington, tlie ninth generation 
from the Pilgrim stock. The names of those who survive are 
William M., Ellen A., I. Antoinette and Edward A. 



•Vi?" H K E: L, E R . 

William Wheeler, son of William of Charlestown, and 
grandson of William of same place, born in Waltham, Decem- 
ber 18, 1781 ; married, first, Jerusha Whiting, who died June 
5, 1810; second, Sarah Vining, Avho died January 4, 1857; 
third. Widow Eliza Ball, who died April 1, 1860; fourth, 
Betsey Kennedy, of Kingston. 

Children — 1. Jerusha, born November 12, 1806; married 
Elijah Estes, of Hanover, June 6, 1824, and lives in Michigan. 
2. and 3. twins, born and died August, 1808. 4. Mary W., 
born November 26, 1809 ; married John Osborn, of Pembroke, 
and lives in Michigan. By second wife : — 5. Lucetta E., 
born May 23, 1812; married Peres Chandler, of Duxbury, 
and died April 23, 1832. 6. Edward A., born November, 
1813. 7. Albert D., born September 1, 1815 ; married Rachel 
Bourne, lives in East Bridgewater, and has George A,, who 
married Eliza J. Dary. 8. George F., born February 27, 
1818. 9. Charles H., born December 19, 1819, is married, 
lives in Ohio, and has Eva and Ella. 10. Elbridge V., born 
September 21, 1821. 11. Gridley T., born February 4, 1823. 
12. Elijah E., born November 17, 1824. 13. Sarah A., 
born November 20, 1827 ; married David Jacobs, jr.. May 
21, 1848. 14. John W., born April 30, 1829 ; died August^ 
1829. 15. John W., born May 1, 1830. 16. Lysander F.,' 
born February 24, 1832. 17. Susan M., born September 4, 
1834 ; married Thomas W. Damon, September 8, 1854. 

2. Edward A., son of William 1., married, first, Almira 

Winsor, who died February 20, 1849; second, Lucy A. 

Winsor, who died March 25, 1861. Children — 1. Edward 

W., born April 17, 1837 ; died May 3, 1837. 2. Susie W., 

38* 



450 APPENDIX. 

born September 20, 1841. 3. Augustus W., born February 
15, 1849 ; died October 1, 1849. By second wife :— 4. Ella 
M., born September 20, 1851. 5. Walter E., born November 
27, 1852; died September 30, 1860. 6. Julian A., born 
August 28, 1854 ; died October 18, 1854. 7. Stella A., born 
June 3, 1858 ; died April 17, 1859. 

3. George F., son of William 1., married, first, Cinderella 
Burrell ; second. Widow Susan Whitman. Children — 1. Geo. 
W., born November, 1841 ; died September, 1842. 2. Lydia 
B., born January 19, 1844 ; married Jeremiah Luby, Jan- 
uary, 1863. 3. Lucy C, born December 22, 1845 ; married 
Leander Torrey, June, 1861. By second wife : — Howard A., 
born January, 1848. 

4. Elbridge V., son of William 1., married Pauline H. 
Davis. Children — 1. Infant daughter, born January 9, 1850 ; 
died January 10, 1850. 2. Alice F., born March 22, 1851. 

3. Lucetta, born July 17, 1853. 4. Arthur, born January 1, 
1860. 5. Annie, born August 25, 1864. 

5. Gridley T., son of William 1., married Clarissa Jacobs. 
Children— 1. Walter H., born November 6, 1846. 2. William 
H., born July 11, 1850, 3. Austin E., born August 15, 1852. 

4. Charles E., born February 19, 1857. 5. Joseph W., boi'n 
February 25, 1858. 6, Clara M., born January 6, 1860. 

6 Elijah E., son of William 1., married, first, Lydia F. 
Hill ; died May 23, 1859. Second, Augusta Lara. Chil- 
dren — 1. Elijah H., born November 18, 1844. 2. Corisan 
B., born March 6, 1848. By second wife : — Grace M., born 
June 27, 1863. 

7. John W., son of William 1., married Ann T, Damon. 
Child— Frank H., born September 17, 1854; died 1854. 

8. Lysander F., son of William 1., married Angeline S. 
Whiting. Children — 1. Everett P., born October 2, 1855. 
2. Effie A., born October 27, 1857. 3. Jennie M., bora 
September 10, 1859. 



APPENDIX. 451 



■VT H I O? INI A. N . 

1. John "Whitman came from England, and settled in the 
north part of Weymouth in 1636. 

John had a numerous family ; his children named in his 
■will, were — Thomas, John, Abiah, Zechariah, Sarah Jones, 
Mary, Elizabeth, Hannah and Judith. 

2. Thomas, son of John, married Abigail, daughter of 
Nicholas Byram, and settled in Bridgewater in 1662 ; from 
him descended most of the name in New England. His chil- 
dren were — John, Ebenezer, Nicholas, Susanna, Mary, Naomi 
and Hannah. 

3. Nicholas, son of Thomas, married Sarah Vining, of 
Weymouth, and by her had Thomas, John, Josiah, David, 
JoLathan and Seth. His wife died, and he married Mary, 
daughter of Francis Cary, and had children — Eleazer, born 
1716, and Benjamin. His wife died, and he married Mary, 
davighter of William Conant, and had children — Mary, William, 
Josiah, Sarah, Abigail, Nicholas, Susanna and Ebenezer. He 
was killed in 1746 by a cart-wheel passing over him. 

4. Eleazer, the sixth son of Nicholas, married Abigail 
Alden, daughter of Daniel Alden, in 1742, and had children 
— Mary, Eliab, Abigail, Hannah, Jepthah, Mary, Joshua, 
Eleazer, Ephraim, Asa and Abigail, — most of whom died 
young. He died in 1807, aged 91 ; his wife died in 1814, 
aged 92. He removed to Abington in 1767. 

5. Of the survivors — Mary, daughter of Eleazer, married 
James Porter, and had children — Mary, Abigail, Hannah, 
James and Sarah. Pie settled in North Bridgewater, and 
there died in 1802. She survived him many years, and died, 
aged 90, 

5. Joshua, son of Eleazer, married Hannah Tirrell, and 
had one son, the late Joshua Whitman, of Turner, Me. 

5. Eleazer, son of Eleazer, married Mary Brown, daughter 
of Woodbridge Brown, of Abington, settled in E. Bridgewater, 
and had children — Mary, born 1779 ; Hannah, born 1781 ; 



452 APPENDIX. 

Asa, born 1783; Daniel, born 1784; Eleazer, born 1785; 
Dorothy, born 1786; Abigail, born 1788; and Emory, born 
1790. 

S.'Ephraim, son of the first-named Eleazer, married Mehit- 
able Brown, daughter of Samuel Brown, and had children — 
Olive, born 1782; Jared, born 1784; Clarissa, born 1787; 
Sarah, born 1789 ; and Mehitable, born 1796. 

5. Abigail, daughter of the above-named Eleazer, married 
Noah Ford, of Abington. Their children were — Nancy, born 
1788 ; Daniel Alden, born 1791 ; Sally, born 1793 ; and Polly, 
born 1795. 

6. Mary, daughter of the second-named Eleazer, married 
Eliab Noyes, and has a numerous family. 

6. Hannah, daughter of Eleazer, married Moses Noyes, and 
left one son. 

6. Asa, son of Eleazer, married Chamberlin, and had 

one son and one daughter. 

6. Daniel, son of Eleazer, married Sarah Porter, and had 
three daughters. 

6. Eleazer, sou of Eleazer, married Pratt, and had 

several children. 

6. Dorothy died young. 

6. Abigail, daughter of Eleazer, remains single. 

6. Olive, daughter of Ephraim, married Alexander Nash, 
and had children — Hannah, Haraden, Jared, Clarissa, Mehit- 
able, Edwin, Olive and John ; all of whom, except Haraden 
and Mehitable, died unmarried. 

Haraden married , of New Orleans, by whom 

she had four sons and three daughters. 

Mehitable married William P. Corthell, and had one 
daughter. 

6. Jared, son of Ephraim, married Abigail Barrell, by 
whom he had two daughters — Elizabeth R., born 1814, who 
married Enoch E. Brown, of Bangor, Me., and Abigail B., 
who married William T. Grennell, of Providence ; she died 
1851. Abigail, wife of Jared, died 1817. He married 
Susanna Haydea, widow of Zeba Hayden, and daughter of 



APPENDIX. 453 

Aaron Hobart, and had children — Caroline H., born 1819 ; 
Augustus, born 1821 ; Jared, born 1823 ; Susan A. II., bora 
182G ; and Ephraim, born 1829. 

Jared, son of Jared, married Nellie Curtis, of Worcester. 

Susan A. H. married William R. Vining, and had three 
children. 

Ephraim married Augustine Nash. 

Caroline H. and Augustus are unmarried. 

6. Clarissa, daughter of Ephraim, married Isaac Alden, 
and had two sons — William and Henry. William died young. 
Henry left two sons — William and Isaac Cary. 

6. Sarah, daughter of Ephraim, married Nathan Gurney, 
of Boston, and died 1829, leaving one son — Ephraim Whit- 
man — now a teacher in Harvard University. 



H 11 78 



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